Unconventional Childhood Habits: From Outhouses to Kids' Pre-Assumptions

Have you ever had a weird or quirkish habit that you no longer practice as an adult? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have unique behaviors from our childhood that often stem from our environments and experiences. This article explores one person's journey with peculiar habits, including their childhood experiences with an outhouse and personal pre-assumptions that turned out to be less daunting than expected.

Remembering the Outhouse: A Dark and Demanding Bathroom

Growing up with an outhouse can make for some amusing and sometimes bizarre stories. Routinized toilet habits take on a different meaning when you must venture into the pitch-black night, far from the comfort of home, for a natural need. The author recalls, 'Growing up, I primarily used an outhouse as my bathroom. Theres a few things about an outhouse that a normal bathroom has but an outhouse just doesn’t. You dont flush obviously. That outhouse was moved twice a year. Once in the spring once in the fall.'

The author continues, 'Doing your buisness takes on a whole nother meaning when you come face to face with it. Anyway… I know thats pretty gross. But very accurate.' Despite the initial hesitation and fear, the experience of using an outhouse in the dark and at length eventually became a normalized part of their routine. Today, the author still appreciates the practice of using the restroom in the darkness, occasionally showering in the dark as well, which they describe as 'pretty fun.'

Pre-Assumption and Fear: Overcoming Initial Misgivings

The author had pre-conceived assumptions about certain situations that turned out to be less scary than expected. One example was 'pre-assumption' about being in trouble or even spontaneously bursting into flames. These concerns were rooted in innocent childhood fears but were eventually overcome. The author reflects, 'Now I at least have the balls to enter these kind of rooms if I have to. I mean. Worse case scenario probably I get told off or become the receiving end of “stares. It wouldn’t be as scary as I initially assumed it to be.'

Relaxing Fidgets: The Habit of Playing with Hair

A common childhood habit is fidgeting with hair or objects that provide tactile comfort. The author shares, 'I fiddle with my hair and remember fiddling with my mom’s hair when I was a toddler. It’s an odd habit but the texture of my hair between my fingers relaxes and calms me.' This act of fiddling with hair can be a soothing and comforting ritual, especially for young children looking for tactile sensations that bring them peace.

The Unseen Inheritance: Holding Mumma’s Dupatta

A more serious habit stems from earlier childhood experiences and the influence of parents. The author mentions, 'I have always been a cry baby I had always hold mumma’s dupatta and walk behind her and follow her where ever she went. This just became a habit to always hold her dupatta thinking I would not get lost if I held her dupatta.' This behavior, while perhaps a comforting mechanism for the child, has lingered into adulthood and often causes irritation for the author's mother. The author admits, 'Even in functions I do the same and mumma gets so irritated!!'

The author's mother has tried to break this habit, but the child has a strong automatic response to holding the dupatta, making it challenging to change the behavior. This habit, though a manifestation of seeking comfort and safety, has become an obstacle in the mother-son relationship, demonstrating how childhood behaviors can persist and impact adult life.

Conclusion

Childhood habits, whether fun or troublesome, often represent unique aspects of our upbringing and environment. From adapting to unconventional bathroom practices like using an outhouse, to dealing with irrational fears and comforting rituals like fiddling with hair, weirdest childhood habits can be both squelched and carried into adulthood. Acknowledging and understanding these habits can help us navigate our adult lives with a better understanding of our own behavior and those of others. So, embrace your quirks, as they are a part of your personal history and make you, you.