Is it normal to count things?

Question

when i am ina public place i will count how many letters in words, how many seats on the bus, how many women/men on a bus and more... I just have to do it.

Answer 1

It's normal unless it bothers you, or someone else. It shows some obsessive compulsive traits of your personality, but it also reveals a very active and processing mind, but at the same way shows some rigidity. It means you're pretty aware of what happens around you, but you can try to control it so that it doesn't go off your hands. Too much of anything could be as bad as none or less of it. You need balance. Try working on trying not to do it but every other time whenever you have the chance, and, at the same time you'll be helping yourself to other areas of your life.

Answer 2

It does sound like a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)http://understanding_ocd.tripod.com/

The counting form constituted 2.6% of all OCD cases in 1996 (possibly U.S. numbers). About 1 in 50 people have OCD; which affects men and women equally. About 2 percent of the U.S. population has OCD in a given year.

...great, more numbers. sorry. Anyway, as noted in this source below, while the cause is unknown it may have a hereditary component. Many cases can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy.

Please tell me you're not counting the number of answers right now are ya?

Answer 3

Hi, it could be a normal thing for you, maybe you just get bored quickly and have an active brain that needs occupying. It could be OCD an anxiety disorder which is very common these days. If it is bothering you too much, go see your GP, if not and you are otherwise happy etc then dont worry, just keep on counting.

Answer 4

It depends, if you are doing it out of boredom, then no....some people just do it to pass the time. But if you basically have no other choice than to count everything, then that is actually OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Little worse for some people, who need help or medication to cope with it, but its not always that big of an issue for everyone who has it.

Answer 5

Holy sh*t! I do that too. I add up the numbers on car number plates or change letters around in words trying to make anagrams. I just think it's a trait of having a superior intelligence and the mind just needs exercising. Bet you find it hard to get to sleep because you're always thinking and can't shut off. Glad I'm not the only one.

Answer 6

My hubby does this. We live by some railroad tracks, active ones, and he counts the # of cars on the train. So far the tally stands at 135 plus 4 engines, for the longest and Five total when Am-track comes screaming by.
He does it because he's bored.
I haven't figured out why he counts the # of e-mails he gets, can't be boredom if he's answering them all. lol

Answer 7

I count the number of steps I take while walking, but usually end at thirty and start over.

I also count stairs, everytime I take a new staircase.

But I'm weird.

You know what, it's good to be weird. Normal is not cool anymore LOL

Answer 8

I think it's normal. I used to be in a violent marriage though and used to do it more often if he was annoyed for some reason. I still do it but not nearly as much.
I've counted my son's birthday cards at least four times today. He's only got six!

Answer 9

Money yes and some other things but you are going a bit OTT.
As the last guy said sounds like OCD.however its not fatal and so far its harmless,but speak to your doctor or but a book to read.(PS don't start counting the letters in the book,read it.)

Answer 10

I think that as long as you don't start pointing or counting out loud it can be your little secret.

I would be concerned however if you devoted this habit more.

As with every habit the more you practise it the better you will become at it. Soon you'll be obsessed with counting if you don't address what it is that makes it so appealing?

Hope you get it under control!