Which sentimental act do you do that has no purpose?

Question

Which sentimental act do you do that has no purpose, or used to have a purpose but no longer has one?
e.g. tying your left shoelace before your right, driving a certain route, wearing a certain colour etc.
(I don't mean obsessive-compulsive stuff)

And why do you do it? Is it emotionally reinforced, or is it just a habit you've gotten into and never changed?
I'm wondering if there is a concept of emotional memory.

- I'm not looking for meaningless gestures, but ones which used to have a purpose but no longer have one?
- why and when do you think you started doing whatever it is?

Answer 1

in social psych, they teach about that very concept...... and id have to say that mine are more verbal, like i always say "havefun" when saying goodbye to someone- even if theyre going to sleep or work- my brother always said this, and since i dont see him often, ive started repeating this all the time.- also, i always walk in the dark w/ my hands before and above my heasd, for spider webs-i used to live in the country when i was lttle- but sometimes, i catch myself when there arent any, trees, etc. above me...weird, i know.

Answer 2

I always bless myself when an ambulance drives by! I'm not that religious at all but I just do it as a sign of respect and feel bad if I don't! Think its and old Irish Catholic thing I picked up as a kid!

Answer 3

I saved all of my kid's school work & momentos. (from 1975).
I save all greeting cards I have received.
I kept all of my kid's lock of hair.
I saved most of their baby clothes. They're all in their 30's now.

Answer 4

i have to touch the wall while I am falling asleep i usually just put my knuckles on the wall and fall away to sleepy land

Answer 5

Deep :p
I always wear my watch on my left hand. If that helps -_-"

Answer 6

I p*ss standing up