Is it normal to scratch fabric?

36% Normal
2 Comments

Ever since I was a boy I've been scratching fabric, usually the silk edges of blankets. But it's progressed to other suitable fabrics. It's hard to describe, but I like the feeling of pieces of skin around my nails catching on the fabric. If there are no rough edges of skin that will catch on the fabric, I actually bite into my callouses to create these skin edges.

One day I realized that I can scratch my shoelaces for the same effect. If I was in a meeting, at a movie or at work, I'd always have my legs crossed so I could scratch my shoelaces. Now I buy shoelaces and keep them in my car and by my bed so I can ALWAYS be scratching them.

I'm 32 now and I have been doing this all day, every day for as long as I can remember. Scratching relaxes and calms me, it's some kind of emotional crutch. I'm sure there's some sort of psychological element to it.

I would be shocked if anyone else did this, but I'm curious to know if I have company.

Voting Results
36% Normal
Based on 39 votes (14 yes)
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Comments ( 2 )
  • BonusRound
    9 years ago

    It's called Asmr. If you search for That kind of stuff on YouTube: scratching fabric paper and cardboard, tapping, crinkly cellophane sounds, you'll find all kinds of videos to calm and relax you. This is perfectly normal, yet only 10% of the worlds population experience this phenomena

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  • toxic-mecha
    9 years ago

    If it works for you, go ahead and keep doing it. I don't see anything wrong with it.

    Yikes...I had to cringe at this post though, my teeth are sensitive, so scratching fabric feels like blades of ice are sinking into them.

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