100 Quirky Habits That Some People Just Cannot Stop

by Joe Stammer // in Life

January 29, 2024

People are fascinating creatures, each with unique habits that set them apart. Some of these habits are especially odd yet captivating. Here, we explore 20 peculiar habits and the psychology that might drive them.

100 Quirky Habits That Some People Just Cannot Stop

Did You Know?

  • Nail Biting: About 20-30% of the population engages in nail-biting.
  • Talking to Pets: 67% of pet owners admit to frequently talking to their pets.
  • Avoiding Sidewalk Cracks: Superstitiously, 13% of people avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk.
  • Checking the Fridge Repeatedly: 23% of people open the fridge to look for food, then close it and open it again, even though the contents haven't changed.
  • Reading the End of a Book First: Around 7% of readers admit they read the last page of a book first.
  1. 1
    Talking to Plants: Engaging with greenery can feel nurturing. It’s believed by some that this encourages plant growth, showing a quirky yet caring interaction with the environment.
  2. 2
    Wearing a Hat Indoors: Despite old etiquette rules, some find comfort in keeping a hat on indoors. It can feel like a cozy or personal style statement.
  3. 3
    Sleeping on the Floor: Though unusual, some find that sleeping on the floor supports their back. It’s a simple living choice that can reflect a minimalist approach.
  4. 4
    Eating Dinner for Breakfast: Switching meal norms, like having dinner items for breakfast, can be a playful break from the routine, making mornings exciting.
  5. 5
    Hoarding Shopping Bags: Keeping a stash of shopping bags might signal a readiness for unplanned shopping trips, reflecting a practical mindset.
6 Putting on Shoes Before Pants: This unusual dressing order can feel right for some, showcasing a personalized method to daily routines.
Wearing shoes and pants
  1. 7
    Washing Hands with Cold Water Only: Preferring cold water could be refreshing or a habitual personal preference established over time.
  2. 8
    Washing Hands with Cold Water Only: Preferring cold water could be refreshing or a habitual personal preference established over time.
  3. 9
    Washing Hands with Cold Water Only: Preferring cold water could be refreshing or a habitual personal preference established over time.
  4. 10
    Turning Clothes Inside Out Before Washing: This habit can preserve the color and texture of clothes, showing a thoughtful approach to garment care.
  5. 11
    Chewing Coffee Beans: Instead of brewing, chewing coffee beans offers a direct taste and caffeine hit, marking an unorthodox coffee appreciation method.
  6. 12
    Counting Steps While Walking: This odd habit can make walking a playful or mindful activity, turning a simple stroll into a gentle focus exercise.
  7. 13
    Shaking Legs While Sitting: Often unconscious, leg shaking can be a self-soothing movement or a way to expel nervous energy.
  8. 14
    Opening Windows in Winter: Inviting cold air indoors can feel refreshing and invigorating, breaking the monotony of heated rooms.
  9. 15
    Smelling Food Before Eating: Taking a whiff of meals before eating is a sensory appreciation, enhancing the dining experience even if it’s peculiar to others.
  10. 16
    Washing Hair with Beer: The idea of using beer for silky hair might seem strange but it's a natural alternative, showing an unconventional approach to beauty routines.
  11. 17
    Collecting Erasers: Collecting erasers of different shapes, sizes, or characters is a quirky habit that could be driven by a love for novelty and a soft spot for stationery.
  12. 18
    Avoiding Stepping on Cracks: Some folks avoid stepping on cracks on the sidewalk, possibly a carry-over from childhood games or superstitions.
  13. 19
    Twinning Outfits with Pets: Dressing similarly to pets is peculiar and showcases a deep bond between the person and their furry friend.
  14. 20
    Naming Cars: Giving cars a name may make the bond with the vehicle stronger, personalizing the inanimate object.

Did You Know?

  • Eating Foods in a Specific Order: 17% of people eat their meals one item at a time.
  • Sleeping with a Comfort Object: 35% of adults admit they still sleep with a comfort object like a teddy bear or blanket from their childhood.
  • Talking to Plants: 18% of plant owners talk to their plants believing it helps them grow.
  • Checking Under the Bed: 5% of adults check under the bed for monsters or intruders.
  • Collecting Items Obsessively: 12% of people have a habit of compulsively collecting items, like stamps or coins.
21 Squirting Ketchup on Everything: The love for ketchup can turn meals into personalized and familiar experiences, even if others find it a bit too much.
Squirting Ketchup on Everything
  1. 22
    Naming Cars: Giving cars a name may make the bond with the vehicle stronger, personalizing the inanimate object.
  2. 23
    Sleeping with Socks On: This habit could be for comfort or warmth, making it an odd but understandable choice.
  3. 24
    Cutting Hair during a Full Moon: Some believe that cutting hair during a full moon promotes growth, an old belief mingling with modern habits.
  4. 25
    Peeling Labels Off Bottles: A habit often seen as a means to keep hands busy, possibly linked to nervous energy.
  5. 26
    Organizing Money by Denomination: This habit may give a sense of order and control, making money handling a bit more pleasant.
  6. 27
    Saving Fortune Cookie Messages: Keeping these little messages could be a love for whimsical or hopeful phrases.
  7. 28
    Eating Foods in a Specific Order: This may come from a desire to save the best for last, directing one’s eating experience.
  8. 29
    Freezing Coins: Chilled change might be believed to bring good financial luck or just be a cooling summer treat.
  9. 30
    Repeating Phrases Backwards: Reversing phrases can be a fun mental challenge, adding a sprinkle of amusement to conversations.
  10. 31
    Creating Fantasy Football Leagues: Crafting imaginary teams and leagues can be an outlet for both creativity and sports enthusiasm.
  11. 32
    Collecting Sand from Different Beaches: A tangible way to hold onto memories from various places.
  12. 33
    Keeping a Diary for Pets: Writing from a pet's perspective can deepen the bond and provide a fun creative outlet.
  13. 34
    Knocking on Wood: This superstitious act is often done to ward off bad luck, showcasing our need for control over uncertain situations.
  14. 35
    Avoiding Number 13: Many avoid this number due to superstitions, reflecting age-old beliefs influencing modern behaviors.

Did You Know?

  • Avoiding the Number 13: Triskaidekaphobia affects about 9% of Americans.
  • Superstitions in Sports: 25% of athletes adhere to a pre-game ritual or superstition.
  • Obsessive Phone Checking: The average person checks their phone about 58 times a day.
  • Chewing Ice: 4% of people have pagophagia, a habit of compulsively chewing ice.
  • Using 'Magic Words' Habitually: 73% of people consistently use magic words like “please” and “thank you” out of habit.
36 Collecting Hotel Room Keys: Holding on to these keys can be nostalgic, each one representing different adventures. If you love it, you are a thief, unless they're all time-sensitive disposable cards.
  1. 37
    Eating Dinner at Precise Times: Sticking to rigid dinner times may provide a sense of order in a chaotic world.
  2. 38
    Wearing a Shirt Inside Out for Luck: This quirky ritual may provide a whimsical sense of hope or control over luck.
  3. 39
    Never Using Last Names: A peculiar social habit that creates a casual or secretive atmosphere in interactions.
  4. 40
    Counting the Number of Sips While Drinking: This odd habit might arise from a need for rhythm or mindfulness during simple tasks.
  5. 41
    Following a Strict Color Code for Clothes: A firm clothing color code can simplify choices and express personality.
  6. 42
    Eating Lemons Whole: A peculiar taste preference showcasing the diverse range of human palates.
  7. 43
    Maintaining a Noisy Environment: Some might find comfort in constant noise, as quietness could feel unsettling, showcasing a unique comfort preference.
  8. 44
    Re-reading Favorite Books Annually: Revisiting beloved tales can provide comfort and a sense of tradition.
  9. 45
    Collecting Stamps Without Being a Philatelist: Gathering stamps just for their designs showcases a love for small artistic details, without diving into the more structured hobby of philately.
  10. 46
    Skipping Down Sidewalks: A light-hearted way to travel on foot, skipping may evoke youthful memories or simply provide a joyful physical activity amidst a routine day.
  11. 47
    Making Patterns with Food: Arranging food in patterns on a plate can transform mealtime into a creative, enjoyable endeavor.
  12. 48
    Collecting Odd Number of Items: The affinity for odd numbers may sprout from superstitions or a personal preference for asymmetry which might be visually pleasing to some.
  13. 49
    Rearranging Furniture Monthly: This regular change can refresh the living space, possibly keeping the home feeling new and interesting.
  14. 50
    Wearing Socks Mismatched: A defiance of the norm, this habit might express individuality and a carefree spirit.

Did You Know?

  • Twirling Hair: 10% of the population engages in hair twirling as a habit.
  • Counting Steps: About 6% of people habitually count steps when they walk up or down stairs.
  • Cracking Knuckles: 54% of people crack their knuckles regularly.
  • Showering Multiple Times a Day: 8% of people shower two or more times a day for non-physical activity reasons.
  • Wearing Clothes Inside Out for Luck: 3% of people wear an item of clothing inside out for luck.
Talking in Third Person
51 Talking in Third Person: This quirky communication style can provide a humorous or quirky spin to daily interactions, perhaps showcasing a playful nature.

"Lizzy will have a jalapeno steak burger and a large glass of Pino Grigio."

"And where will she be sitting, madam?"

"Lizzy says 'I'm here!' It's me!"

  1. 52
    Blinking Twice Before Answering: This unusual pause might help in gathering thoughts, or could be a quirky automated response under minor stress.
  2. 53
    Sleeping on the Right Side of the Bed: A specific sleeping spot could cater to comfort preferences or stem from habitual routine.
  3. 54
    Using a Stopwatch to Time Tasks: This can bring a game-like challenge to mundane chores, making them somewhat engaging.
  4. 55
    Throwing Spilled Salt Over Left Shoulder: Rooted in old superstition to ward off bad luck, this habit is a peculiar way to maintain tradition.
  5. 56
    Turning Around Three Times Before Sitting Down: This ritual might provide a sense of preparation or adjustment before settling in.
  6. 57
    Tying and Untying Knots When Nervous: This tactile habit can provide a soothing rhythmic motion, helping to ease nerves.
  7. 58
    Walking Backwards for Fun: A playful departure from the norm, walking backward can bring a novel perspective to familiar paths.
  8. 59
    Using Only Blue Ink: Preferring blue ink might cater to visual preferences, or perhaps provide a slight change from the standard black ink.
  9. 60
    Avoiding Using the Word “No”: Evading negative language can reflect a positive outlook, attempting to maintain a light-hearted interaction.
  10. 61
    Never Stepping on the First or Last Stair: A peculiar habit possibly rooted in superstition or a playful self-made rule.
  11. 62
    Eating Around the Edges First: Eating in such a pattern can create a self-crafted enjoyable routine, making meals a bit more exciting.
  12. 63
    Wearing Goggles in the Shower: Preventing water from touching the eyes to this extent might stem from a heightened sensitivity or just a playful quirk.
  13. 64
    Collecting Chewed Pen Caps: Gathering these might reflect an affinity for remnants of deep thought or simply a hobby that evolved from fidgeting.
  14. 65
    Turning a Glass of Water Before Drinking: This small ritual before a sip could bring a sense of preparedness or just a playful interaction with a mundane activity.
Listening to Music
66 Listening to Music at High-Speed Playback: Transforming content into speedy, high-pitched voices might be a funny way to consume media or just a time-saving tactic.
  1. 67
    Re-reading Emails After Sending: An anxious check to ensure nothing was missed showcases our desire for perfection and fear of error.
  2. 68
    Checking Locks Multiple Times: The need for reassurance drives this habit, easing concerns about security.
  3. 69
    Speaking in Rhymes: A playful engagement with language, this habit adds a fun, creative twist to daily communication.
  4. 70
    Avoiding All Mirrors: Maybe due to superstition or personal discomfort, this habit reflects an unusual interaction with self-image.
  5. 71
    Tapping a Can Before Opening: This peculiar action could stem from a belief it prevents fizzing over or simply a fun pre-sip ritual.
  6. 72
    Carrying Around a Childhood Blanket: Holding onto comforting items from youth can provide a sense of security and nostalgia.
  7. 73
    Holding Breath When Passing Graveyards: A superstitious habit to ward off bad spirits or just a playful interaction with old tales.
  8. 74
    Carrying a Potato in a Pocket: Sounds strange, but some believe it wards off illness or bad luck, turning an ordinary vegetable into a personal talisman.
  9. 75
    Painting with Toothpaste: Beyond oral care, toothpaste becomes art! This might reflect a desire to find beauty in everyday items.
  10. 76
    Chewing Coffee Filters: Instead of the beans or brew, the filters get the attention. This unusual taste exploration might be all about texture.
  11. 77
    Sniffing Books: The unique smell of pages might evoke feelings of comfort or excitement for the information they hold.
  12. 78
    Eating Ice Cream with a Fork: A playful deviation from the norm, it adds a novel touch to a common activity.
  13. 79
    Eating Photos: Some folks nibble on printed photos, often their own. This could be linked to seeking a unique sensory experience or trying to internalize memories.
  14. 80
    Wearing Wet Socks: Sounds uncomfortable, right? But some do it believing it cools them down or gives a unique sensation that's calming.
Writing Diaries in Made-Up Languages
81 Writing Diaries in Made-Up Languages: A deeply personal twist to journaling, ensuring no one else can sneak a peek.
  1. 82
    Wearing A Single Earring: An aesthetic choice that may symbolize personal style or a nostalgic memory.
  2. 83
    Skipping the First Slice of Bread: Often deemed less fresh, this habit reflects a desire for the best part of a loaf.
  3. 84
    Clapping Hands Before Entering a Room: A unique way to announce arrival or shake off negative energy before entering a new space.
  4. 85
    Avoiding Speaking Before Noon: A peculiar way to maintain morning tranquility or save energy for the day ahead.
  5. 86
    Chewing Ice Cubes: This chilly habit might be a form of stress relief. The act of crushing can offer a unique sensory experience and temporarily divert attention from worries.
  6. 87
    Sleeping with Socks On: For some, this cozy habit can foster a warm and snug sleep environment, which is particularly comforting during cold nights.
  7. 88
    Reading Aloud to Oneself: Hearing words spoken can enhance understanding or retention, turning reading into an engaging, multisensory experience.
  8. 89
    Avoiding Stepping on Cracks: An old superstition turned habit; it’s a playful way to bring a touch of magic or caution to ordinary walks.
  9. 90
    Making Faces in the Mirror: Experiencing different expressions can be amusing and might provide a playful moment of self-exploration.
  10. 91
    Watching Movies on Mute: Viewing films without sound challenges the imagination to fill in dialogue or storyline, making the experience more interactive.
  11. 92
    Cleaning Shoes After Each Use: This meticulous habit can preserve the newness and longevity of footwear, reflecting a respect for personal belongings.
  12. 93
    Never Using Red Ink: A dislike for red ink might stem from its association with corrections or negativity, and avoiding it can keep writing experiences positive.
  13. 94
    Eating Dessert First: Enjoying the sweet part of the meal first can be a joyful rebellion against traditional mealtime structure.
  14. 95
    Wearing Watches Upside Down: This uncommon wear might offer a discreet way to check time or simply serve as a unique style statement.
  15. 96
    Ignoring the Existence of Odd Numbers: This selective recognition can turn daily number encounters into a whimsical game.
  16. 97
    Using Toothpaste on Pizza: This one sounds peculiar, doesn't it? Maybe it's an unusual way to mix minty freshness with savory goodness, seeking a completely different taste.
  17. 98
    Tasting Non-food Items: The odd compulsion to taste things like paper could stem from a sensory curiosity, though it's beyond the usual taste exploration.
  18. 99
    Keeping Nail Clippings: Instead of throwing them away, some choose to keep them in jars. Perhaps it's about holding onto parts of oneself or marking the passage of time.
100 Never Eating the Last Bite: Leaving the last bite perhaps echoes a desire to not deplete resources or a quirky show of self-restraint.

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About the author 

Joe Stammer

I'm an ex-narcotic with a stutter, dedicated to helping drug addicts on their path to recovery through writing. I offer empathy and guidance to those who are struggling, fostering hope and resilience in their pursuit of a substance-free life. My message to those struggling is simple - seek help, don't waste your life, and find true happiness.

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