How a global pandemic normalized my germaphobia

by Olecia Christie | 2 Minute read

Elevator buttons. Gas pumps. Door knobs. Stair rails. Bathroom faucets. And everything in an airport. 

That's the list of things I avoid touching in my daily life. 

And I mean pre-Coronavirus daily life. So one could say, in the fight against germs, this did not take me by surprise. Yet here we are processing what appears to be a social experiment where a viral infection keeps us indoors and creates a toilet paper shortage. Prepared or not, this is our new reality. And one thing is clear; Coronavirus has normalized my germaphobia more than anything could. 

On any given day, you can find my husband shaking his head as I slip on disposable gloves before heading out to pump gas, or quickly pressing the button, so I don't have to use my knuckles to call the elevator. He has never quite understood why I dont take my phone in public restrooms and how I have survived a whole lifetime without ever touching a bathroom faucet other than my own with my bare hands. I must admit, It's quite the process. 

I can't explain my germaphobia or when it started. But it's one of the things that brings me peace in life. Like I sleep much better at nights, knowing that my closet is color-coordinated and that the produce in my pantry gets organized in wicker baskets. Yes, this obsession with germ prevention includes an intense love for order and clean surroundings. 

Being organized and minimizing how much DNA I swap with the public are common survival tactics in my book. I would never ask anyone to join the cause. Besides, Corona has made impressive strides in that area. And suddenly, it feels good to know that I am not the only one running my hands under hot water for twenty seconds to scrub away bacteria I may have picked up as I collected groceries or opened a package. 

So as the internet swells with tutorial videos of how to wash our hands, I say cheers to my recurring Amazon order of pocket-sized hand lotion to combat the fight against dry skin I have endured over the years. May it survive yet another month of quarantine. Until then, my friends stay safe — we are so much better together.