Why is cleanliness and tidiness very important to some people? Is it a 'need' or a 'desire' for such people? I wonder if this extends to animals too.
I observed that, to my utter dislike, our pet dog Nero does its nature call just outside some porch that has been freshly cleaned. Even before I pull the leash, the dog does its thing. So I am careful to make a deviation in our walk whenever we approach the front porch of someone’s house. But leave the dog aside — it might have reasons to have its poop smell strongly, to deter other dogs on the street.
We come across two sets of people very clearly. I am not even referring to the minority of people with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). And we notice this not only at homes, but also at offices and shops. Some have to have their place clean and tidy before they even get to work. And there are others who don’t even care. They also think that cleaning is a maid’s duty, whether done well or not.
I think this may have to do with how their brain works. Some people can think through straight on a thought that mattered most for the moment, in the midst of a plethora of other thoughts that come and go.
I remember that one of my friends, who is very unorganized otherwise — starting from his dressing to things around him —
This contrast in outward order made me reflect on how differently people prepare themselves inwardly as well.
Perhaps the way we arrange our surroundings is not separate from how we arrange our thoughts.
I used to be very focused on what I would discuss in a client meeting that day. I could actually see my friend lost in thought. On the other hand, here was I, who had already planned out well in advance what I would present, how I would make my opening statement, how I would dress for the occasion, and so on.
So by the time we landed into a hotel, my focus was on what my breakfast would be, how good the hotel service and room were, etc. I don’t think that my way of working was more efficient or anything. It is just that we are wired differently.
I need to clear the chaos physically and in my mind before I could tread a path. My question is: do they go together?
It is not that I cannot take decisions when there is too much data or lack of it. I see that, for example, my wife is focused on a singular thought throughout the day, even if there were several events during the day that otherwise would distract her. Needless to say, she does not have the OCD behavior that I may marginally have.
Do you also observe this in people — behavior in thinking and physically — being tied together?
And is there a middle ground?
I feel there is a variation in degree of being on one side or the other, but not many in the exact middle. And can people move from one side to another, other than due to disability?
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