Dear Photonate,

I wish I had something helpful to say in response to your post, but sadly my mind is blank.

There is a mental illness called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder [OCD]. Since I am not a physician or medical professional, I do not know what defines this disorder.

Certain behaviors fall into the range of normal variations of human behavior. Others do not not. I think, and I could be quite wrong, that one of the factors that determines which is which is whether a certain feeling, thought stream, mood or action interferes with one's daily life or causes one distress or unhappiness.

Sometimes if one is distressed about something they do, a visit to a licensed physician can be helpful. Only a licensed physician can do a medical workup and do testing that results in a medical diagnoses and prescribe treatment options.

I myself certainly have unusual peculiarities. Some distress me and have motivated me to seek medical attention. Others I regard as quite harmless and do not impact me, my life or others in a negative way, and so I just tolerate them.

If the counting you mention is causing you any distress, perhaps a visit to a doctor and/or therapist would prove helpful. I don't know. So very sorry I could not be helpful to you in this. I wish you only the very best.

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen