I am not the most relaxed person at times. I tend to think that I stress too much.
After reading When Anxiety is at the Table by Jeff Bell (NY Times), I realized that at any rate I would rate as a mild case of anxiety.
The article details how ‘restaurants can trigger distress among people with obsessive-compulsive disorder‘. Jeff Bell mentions ‘someone having to walk 3 times through a doorway to be reassured’ or ‘having to try a number of tables before settling for one‘. He also quotes a lawyer who in order to enjoy his meal has to ‘separate the salt and pepper shakers, and, ideally, place a napkin holder or other divider midway between them’. The lawyer I mentioned earlier ‘feels compelled to inspect the hands of anyone serving him‘. I am not sure if the wait staff complies.
It sounds like those of us with this type of condition suffer from being out of their comfort zone.
I have to confess, I used to shake the door knob (at work) many years ago to make sure it was closed. It was after a burglary though.
One thing that surprises me is the use of straws by diners. They are requested for hygiene purpose but unless wrapped in paper, how many hands might have touched them before you do?
Do you have any Food or Restaurant related obsessions?
How would people with anxieties deal with Dining in the Dark.