Germophobic Man Doesn't Understand Issue People Have With His Request To Change Clothes Before Sitting On His Furniture

"My mom and my little sister have also been okay with this new rule."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• March 4, 2024

In today's world, where cleanliness and hygiene have taken center stage, people are constantly seeking ways to minimize their exposure to germs. This quest for a pristine living environment can often lead to unconventional solutions, as demonstrated by a 20-year-old man's approach to keeping his personal space uncontaminated.

Having been raised in a household where cleanliness was paramount, he inherited a keen eye for tidiness from his mother. This ingrained habit took a new turn when he moved into his place, sparking concerns about the invisible germs carried into homes via clothing.

Upon moving out, he pondered the plethora of germs we unknowingly bring into our living spaces, prompting a unique solution. Approximately a month ago, he invested in clear disposable raincoats, offering them to guests as an alternative to changing their clothes upon entering his home.

This rule was accepted by his girlfriend, mother, and sister, who adapted to his request without hesitation. However, the response from a friend highlighted a potential social hurdle. After being informed of the requirement, the friend's disbelief at the enforcement led to an abrupt departure and subsequent silence, casting a shadow of doubt over the young man's unconventional method.

This incident sparked a conversation with his mother, who suggested that his expectations might be excessively stringent for guests. This feedback has left him questioning the reasonableness of his approach, teetering on the edge of uncertainty.

OP is 20, lives alone, and maintains a tidy space.

When OP moved into his place, he realized how many germs from outside come in.

The OP bought disposable raincoats for the guests, suggesting they wear them to protect the furniture or bring spare clothes, he even offered to wash their dirty clothes.

OP's girlfriend and his family are fine with this rule, but a friend was surprised and upset when OP enforced this rule during his visit, he left and hasn't responded to OP's messages since.

OP discussed it with his mom, and she thinks it's too much to ask everyone to do.

OP could benefit from therapy.

OCD tends to worsen without intervention, so OP needs to seek help promptly.

OP's mom is correct; expecting visitors to change clothes is excessive unless he has a specific health concern.

OP might have a germ phobia.

OP should seek help and avoid having guests over if it's a problem.

OP is in the wrong here, he needs to seek professional help.

OP's request for friends to wear wipe-clean plastic suggests he views them as dirty, he should apologize for this unreasonable expectation.

While it's his home and his rules, enforcing such strict guidelines might lead to loneliness.

OP cleanliness might be taking it too far. His strict rules for guests, like making them wear plastic raincoats or change clothes when they come over, could be a sign of a bigger problem.

His mom is right to say it's a bit much. He might have a fear of germs, which can make him feel anxious or worried about being clean all the time.

If he doesn't get help, this could get worse and cause more problems for him. He should think about talking to someone, like a therapist, who can help him understand why he's so worried about cleanliness and find better ways to deal with it.

If he keeps going like this, he might end up feeling lonely because his friends might not want to hang out with him if they feel uncomfortable or judged in his home. It's okay for him to want things clean, but he should also think about how his rules affect others and try to find a balance.

Apologizing to his friends for asking too much could help, and getting help for himself is important too.

Damjan