Fabric rubbing obsession

So ever since I can remember I've had this weird habit. When I was little I had a blanket for the longest time. It was falling apart a little bit and had places on it almost like those ripped places on pants that you can buy from the store. I've always had another habit of mine, which I'm guessing is a form of Dermatillomania. I basically pick at the sides of my fingers until they bleed or leave a somewhat "serrated" skin edge. Anyways, I would use that skin ridge as a child to rub against my falling-apart blanket so the little threads and tiny tiny "fluffies" would brush against it and almost "stick". I would also grind my teeth, which is another horrible habit I can't seem to stop. It's somewhat calming, and I do it to this day when I find a certain fabric that I like doing it to. If I'm not rubbing my fingers against a blanket or fuzzy t-shirt, I'm constantly picking at the skin around my fingers until they bleed everywhere. I haven't found anyone who has this same habit, so I was hoping I could tell this to some people. I've never told anyone before in fear they would make fun of me.

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45% Normal
Based on 55 votes (25 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • squirrelgirl

    I think you are possibly using the fabric rubbing to distract from picking at your fingers. I understand what it's like to have the urge to pick at your skin all the time - I do it too. It's not exactly normal or healthy to pick at skin all the time, but I have yet to find a way to break free from it.

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    • kdisn

      Yeah, and I've concluded that it's mostly my thumbs that I pick at with my other fingers.
      The fabric rubbing thing calms me down, but it also kind of makes me grind my teeth (but only very lightly. mostly I just push my teeth together, almost like someone would do when cringing).

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  • eul

    Wow, found this looking to see if anyone else experienced the same thing, this describes it perfectly for me. I'm always picking at my fingers and rubbing it on fabrics where the fibre 'sticks' to the skin, so you're not alone lol

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    • kdisn

      This is a late reply, but I just happened to find this again. I'm surprised to find someone who does the same thing :) It makes me a little less self-conscious.
      I have a feeling it's just some sort of OCD? I know the skin picking is at least, but this is the first time I've heard anyone do the same mix of things that I do. The skin picking, then rubbing the loose skin on fibers.

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  • Leviathanel

    is it really so bad? how is it really hurting you?

    who cares?

    either way you remind me a bit of salad fingers and i think it's a little bad ass.

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    • kdisn

      Hahah it's honestly not hurting me so bad, but family and friends kind of get worried about me picking at my fingers.
      The fabric rubbing thing is just a silly habit, I guess.
      Oh my I actually think salad fingers is pretty awesome and creepy xD not sure whether to consider that a compliment or not, lol

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  • DADNSCAL

    You have a self-mutilation obsession, and should see a therapist.

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