Could I be OCD?

Ok here goes, I seriously just spent an entire hour. Maybe even more typing out this huge explantion to kind of get some feedback on whether or not I sound like I could be ocd, then wam my computer crashed. I want to start off by saying I really don't know much about ocd. I think that my father could possibly be ocd, I'm not sure if it is hereditary or not. The thought had never crossed my mind that I could be as well. Until today, when my boyfriend of 5 years started making comments about the way I was eating. I admit I am picky and I am very particular about how I eat and what I eat. Just never dawned on me that it was as intense as it is. It has most certainly got worse in the last couple of years, but I have always been the picky girl. I have to inspect all of my food very closely for imperfections of any nature. Today for example I was eating chicken, I had cut the strips into tiny pieces and I was inspecting them for any imperfections what so ever. Putting the acceptable pieces on my plate and discarding the others, while the world goes by. This is not a first time thing, I disect all of my food. I feel like I need to know whats inside of it. I can't eat anything that has chunks in it. Like yogurt for example, if it has bits of fruit in it. I go as far as pulling seasonings or spices off of my food. I will have a plate of spaghetti and strain it with my fork so there is very little to no sauce and definatly no bits of herbs or spices. When I am eating something that is to be dipped I dip around any chunks and wipe my food off before inspecting it one last time, then eating it. This is so embarassing for me when I go out to eat, try to eat at work, or even with my family and close friends.

I alway make sure the bathroom door is locked, i get up and check numerous times before I can do what I went in there to do. I also feel very paranoid that someone maybe listening or watching me. So I try to hurry and be as quite as possible. When I am home alone I lock the door first thing, then before long I start to doubt whether I really locked it. So I stop what I am doing and go to check it. I unlock it and lock it back, just to make sure its locked. Also sometimes I feel like I have left the oven or some other appliance on and I will walk by it a few times to check and make sure it is off. Lots of times I will read and reread something 10 times before I feel like I have completely read it and got what I needed out of it. Probably the most embarassing thing for me is that I feel that inanimate objects have feelings. Such as baby doll or a pair of shoes. I will pick the baby doll or shoes I don't like or think others don't/won't like so they aren't left out or have their feelings hurt. I have been doing that since I can remember. I am also constantly thinking about what people are saying or thinking about me.

There is more and I will add more possibly later, just need some feedback for now.
Thank you,
Mollie

Hey mollie,

I've always loved the name mollie/molly. I guess it goes back to my 'roots' because a famous lady in Ireland (where i'm from) is called Molly Malone. Anyway, I have a diagnosis of OCD and I am pretty sure that what you're describing is OCD too. Do'nt be in any way embarrassed, however, because there are many like you. People are understanding, in general, of odd behaviours in others. The chicken thing you mention is something I can very much relate to. Whenever my mam bought a cooked chicken, I always became anxious and had to dissect it myself. I had to get rid of every bit of skin and fat from the chicken pieces before storing it in the fridge for later consumption. Sometimes I'd go so far as to actually wash the chicken pieces if my OCD was severe. I always check things too like you do. For example, whenever i leave my house, I ckech multiple times if I have my phone(s), keys, and wallet with me. I might have to check 20+ times before I can feel comfortable that I have them on me.

So, there is a name for what you've got, but many others have it too. I reckon it's genetic. My mother is very much like me, for example, but not as severe.

Hope that helps... ...you're welcome to talk more if you wish my friend.

Kevin