May I have some opinions please?

Well, personally, I wouldn't do anything.

I know you mean well, but do you think he doesn't realize he has OCD? Do you think you know how to "fix" him? Chances are, it would take much counseling to help him.

OCD runs in my family. We are in no way as bad off as this guy, but we all know we have it, and we all know how silly it is, but knowing and knowing how to fix it, are two different things.

My dad turns lights on and off 3 times. Opens and closes doors several times. Kisses goodnight 3 times. etc.

I have to have all my applications in my taskbar in the same location. If I accidentally close a window, I must close out of everything and restart. I like odd numbers, and must always try to do things in odd numbers. If I eat M&M's, it has to be an odd number. When I microwave anything, the amount of time has to be an odd number. I count things. How many steps I take, I count stairs, etc. If I change the radio station and the button is cold, and I have a cold sensation on my right index finger, I must then touch the button with me left index finger to even it out.

My whole family has similar things. For us, it's mostly harmless. Sure, for this guy, it's much more extreme. But I guarantee you he knows he has a problem. If you change these rituals or interfere, you are only going to make it worse. He'll now show up everyday knowing you are watching him, be afraid to do his ritual, but also be afraid of what happens if he DOESN'T do his ritual. You will probably rock his world in a very negative way.

michel said:

I can't get this one out of my system; what I planned to do, was to leave a letter for him to see, explaining that I (who he doesn't know) have noticed that he has a 'problem' leaving his car - that he is obviously very anxious. That, if he would accept some help, to contact me (just a telephone number).

What do you all think ?

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I don't think it could do any harm.

pdoel said:

Well, personally, I wouldn't do anything.

I know you mean well, but do you think he doesn't realize he has OCD? Do you think you know how to "fix" him? Chances are, it would take much counseling to help him.

OCD runs in my family. We are in no way as bad off as this guy, but we all know we have it, and we all know how silly it is, but knowing and knowing how to fix it, are two different things.

My dad turns lights on and off 3 times. Opens and closes doors several times. Kisses goodnight 3 times. etc.

I have to have all my applications in my taskbar in the same location. If I accidentally close a window, I must close out of everything and restart. I like odd numbers, and must always try to do things in odd numbers. If I eat M&M's, it has to be an odd number. When I microwave anything, the amount of time has to be an odd number. I count things. How many steps I take, I count stairs, etc. If I change the radio station and the button is cold, and I have a cold sensation on my right index finger, I must then touch the button with me left index finger to even it out.

My whole family has similar things. For us, it's mostly harmless. Sure, for this guy, it's much more extreme. But I guarantee you he knows he has a problem. If you change these rituals or interfere, you are only going to make it worse. He'll now show up everyday knowing you are watching him, be afraid to do his ritual, but also be afraid of what happens if he DOESN'T do his ritual. You will probably rock his world in a very negative way.

Click to expand...

If I eat M&M's, it has to be an odd number

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Pull the other leg; that's just an excuse to eat more...............

I know what you mean, and it sounds as if your family have their fair share of 'rituals'; I am sorry to hear that.

There is a little bit of OCD in all of us, of course; (mostly when we are not thinking about what we are doing) - behaving 'mindlessly'.

I am usely O.K about locking the front door of the house, but if ever my wife asks me "Did you ?" I can't remember, and feel compelled to go back and check.

I shan't go into all the symptoms I get (some of them are rather bloody and quite painful, an involve my toe nails). Apart from that, whenever I start up my computer, I have to delete all temp files, all temp. internet files, browsing history......etc. I know it's absurd, but can't do otherwise.

When I clean the house, I have a 'ritualistic' approach as to which room comes first, and in what order I clean them. What is more, if I am unable to do the cleaning on "Cleaning day", I feel really anxious.

Thanks for your advice one and all; I guess the reason I thought of writing to him was partly the fact that I miss him on a lot of mornings; (either he's late or I am early), and I thought the annonimity of wrting to him would make him feel more comfortable.

On reflection, though, I think you are right; I think I'll try and find out at what time he finishes (and comes to take his car), because talking to him on the way to work may well be awkward - that might make him late).

I hope I don't get arrested as a suspicious character if I am caught round the corner from where he parks his car watching to see atwhat time he picks it up!

I guess a person to person approach is the best way.................