Monday, February 08, 2010

All Things Are Relative

I am one of those people who could never become a doctor—not because of the cadavers and blood, or the fact that I skipped my undergrad biology class about 90% of the time. No, I couldn’t become a doctor because I, like so many people, am easily convinced that I am sick. When primetime news shows and popular magazines discuss health topics, I inevitably start to display mysterious symptoms. And don’t even get me started on WebMD. I’ve had to limit myself to one visit a week. That site will convince anyone that the hangnail may in fact be fatal. Who wouldn’t blink when that warning “please seek emergency medical attention” flashes on the screen?

I’ve often wondered if I hold on to too much stuff. Despite donating carloads of items to charity every time I move (which is pretty often), I’m still amazed by how much stuff I have. And even though I’ve gotten better at parting with items of sentimental value but no real value, I still find myself holding onto things I have no use for. I’d begun to wonder if I had a problem with attachment to things. And then I saw Hoarders. Quite the opposite of my usual medical television experience, this show has me convinced that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. Never tried to save a piece of furniture after mice had nested in it. Never held on to a collection of plastic bottle caps because the codes inside may earn a prize. Never had to tie myself down while I slept to make sure I didn’t slip into a pile of trash in the middle of the night. When I consider the possibilities, I’m downright sane.

This is one instance where a little medical knowledge has me convinced that I’m just fine. Now I just have to worry about this hangnail