Howard Hughes without the money

I often refer to myself as Howard Hughes without the money. For that matter, I could also refer to myself as Howard Stern or as Howie Mandel without the money! Why? What do I have in common with them? All of these people are germaphobes. Actually, the technical term is mysophobe. I too, am a germaphobe/mysophobe. But, unlike Mr. Hughes, I don't lock myself in a room afraid to leave. Unlike Mr. Mandel, I will shake hands (not happily). Not everything wigs me out, but I will fill you in on what disturbs me most.
       The Gym-I go to the gym everyday of the week. I wash down the equipment before I start
        and always when I am through. Not everyone does this, and for me, this is an issue. When I
        return home from the gym, the first thing I do is wash my hands.

        Supermarket-wipe down the carriages. They are carriers of ecoli, and a variety of gruesome
        germs. As soon as you leave the carriage and get into your car, use the antibacterial gel!

        Hotels-I specifically get grossed out by the decorative quilt which I will remove immediately
        from the bed. More importantly, I wipe down the remote control. I am told this item has more
        germs than you can possibly imagine!

        Menus-These, too, are very disconcerting. I can't do anything about the cleanliness of them
        but I tend to use antibacterial gel after ordering and returning them to the host.

        Sharing Food-yes, I totally admit I am very challenged in this area. Of course, I will share
        with family members. If I am out with non family, I totally freak if someone goes to put their
        fork twice in my entree or my dessert. Once is all you are allowed.  Double dipping is not
        permitted even with a fork or a spoon!

        Airplanes-seatbelts should be wiped down before using. So should armrests and buttons for t.v.
        I can't even contemplate what goes on with the headrests-ugh!
   
        Restrooms-This is the most offensive of my list. First, there must be toilet seat covers.
        Second, you shouldn't use the first few sections of the hanging toilet paper. Third, how to
        flush? foot, or tissue, or hand? Fourth, how to open the door latch once you flush with hand?
        Fifth,Wash hands for a long time with soap and hot water. Then, I must already have a paper
        towel pulled out and under my arm so that I may turn off the spicket with the towel. Finally,
        getting out the door-I use the paper towel to open the door. Hopefully there is a wastebasket
        at the door to dispose of the paper towel. If not, I carry it to the garbage somewhere else. The
        biggest dilemma is when there are no towels and only hand dryers. Actually,these are the least
        sanitary option. They should be outlawed. No restaurant, movie theatre, airport, or public
        restroom should allow them. If they exist, you will need to open the door handle using your
        shirt, not with your sanitized hands!

        People-yes people! If you need to sneeze or cough, please do so in the crux of your elbow. Do
        Not cover your mouth with your hands. And when blowing your nose with a tissue, do not
        discard in a wastebasket. Flush it down the toilet if possible!

So there you have it. No, I wasn't ill as a child. And,I didn't fall on my head. These idiosyncracies developed with having children and worrying about them getting sick. To this day, I still worry about them. So here is my final warning: When wearing flip flops or sandals while walking in the city, or taking the subway, etc., please wash off your feet with lots of soap/water when you arrive home. And most definitely, do not put your germy feet into your bed without cleaning them first!