Thanks so much for responding, Thimble! Sorry I didn't see your post till later, as we wrote in such close proximity. Right after writing, I ran out the door to my BP support group (so as not to be late!) So because my post was slightly later, it didn't come up on subscribed threads - ack! Was so glad to have come back to re-read and think on what everyone has written, so I could see yours!

sssssssssss to you! Yeah, it makes sense that the behavior itself doesn't bother you, but the time factor does. That's one of the criteria for about any MI dx, after all, isn't it? How much disruption and distress it causes.

Hope this is not an obnoxious question, but.... we watch a lot of Monk here. My BF calls me Monk as a nickname, though it is a stretch. There is a relatability. Besides the obvious oft-repeated actions, I will always see the other ones coming or say his thinking before it comes out. I just "get it", even if it is not one I personally experience. Ok, so here's the question... Do you find it hard to watch on account of a greater level of relatabilty (in terms of actions), or because the actions themselves don't bother you, is it ok? Because we only see the actions, not the time factor or how that affects him emotionally. In fact, I've often wondered about the time thing, on sheer amazement at how much he does get done despite it. (Yeah, it's a tv show, so...). Again, I hope this is not an obnoxious question. I love the show for a number of reasons -- first that he is portrayed as a highly likeable character, when so many media portrayals showing MI characters are so inaccurate or downright insulting. (I have Bipolar and have yet to see a portrayal that doesn't make me want to scream.) Besides, he is brilliant.

On the groceries, our experience is different. And interesting. On veggies, I will stand there and stare, waiting for the "right" piece to speak to me. Not audibly, but still... Also was a memorable incident involving chicken. One day I went to cook some and it smelled wrong to me. Despite the fact that it was one of the busiest days of the year (at a store known for being extremely busy all the time), I had to go take it back. Right then. And even on the best of days, I have issues with busy stores or going out or dealing with people or making a fuss! (Except when hypomanic, when I will raise hell). (Ipod is my friend, and I never leave the house w/o it, and still it is hard.) I have an immutable routine of taking the grocery list and re-writing it so that everything is clustered into a specific path through the store. Then put all the items on the belt by type. Cold, cans, boxes etc. Then bag them very quickly in like manner and unload them at home the same way. So it is very fast, but...

Here's another question for everyone... One of the things that causes me stress is that if I don't do something, I think terrible things will happen, despite all evidence to the contrary. That it doesn't help at all. For a quick example, I always rinse my face a certain number of times, thinking for instance that I will have a terrible day if I don't. But I have many terrible days despite this routine. Is this common?