I've got a serious problem. Is it OCD?

[Arcadio]

I've always pretended like it's nothing serious, but I cannot deny it anymore. It's just not normal.

Every time I visit a relative/friend/acquaintance/stranger I feel a very strong urge to inconspicuously check the back of their TV's, cable boxes, computers, and other electronic equipment to make sure they are using the best possible connection. I just can't prevent it. I need to do it. Now, this might seem like it's not a big issue, but the problem is that when their system is not properly set up, I will always suggest a quick fix. Even if they are not asking for it. Before I open my mouth I always think "It's none of my business... they are not asking for me to check anything. Just keep your mouth shut." But almost immediately the evil voice says "Do it. Tell them that they should be using a Digital Audio cable instead of those old RCA connections. They'll thank you." Or "Do it. Tell them that their PS3's resolution is incorrectly set and that they are not taking advantage of their 60'' LCD TV's capabilities." I always end up suggesting an improvement.

Sometimes they just say, "Thanks for the tip, Arcadio." Sometimes they might ask me to bring the necessary cables and set up the correct connections (best feeling in the world). But lately I've noticed that they get annoyed at my comments, and this weekend, a neighbor actually said to me "We like it the way it is." That's when I realized that I might be going too far.

What should I do? Does anyone else suffer from this disorder?

 

[dabuddha]

Do you prefer that they use DMI cables?

 

[surfsatwerk]

Monster Cables from Best Buy don't appreciate criticism.

 

[darkxshade]

Tell them that they should be using a Digital Audio cable instead of those old RCA connections. They'll thank you." Or "Do it. Tell them that their PS3's resolution is incorrectly set and that they are not taking advantage of their 60'' LCD TV's capabilities." I always end up suggesting an improvement.

If you're going to be nosy sticking your business where they don't belong, at least be informed enough to tell them they sould be using Monster cables. D:

 

[BoomerD]

You have a serious problem for certain...even without considering this trivial shit.

Just MYOB.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

people dont care what you think

 

[HannibalX]

My FIL bought a Bose home theater thing with a wimpy sub and two satelites. It's complete trash. He asked me over to hook it up, which I did. Initially he had RCA cables from going from the cable box to the Bose DVD player/receiver and also to the TV. I swapped them with HDMI cables - he couldn't tell the difference.

If you ask him it sounds fantastic and every time I'm over there he and his wife mention it, like they're the first people to ever have a separate receiver/speakers/sub from what comes with their TV. Forget that I've had a pimp, custom 5.1 system at my house since 2003 or so which actually does sound phenomenal, you see, it's "old" now and can't possibly compare to their $299 2.1 Bose godofsound home theater...

Ugh... oh, and I showed him how to play DVDs in 720... he said it looked the same to him. Maybe I should put those RCA cables back.

 

[meltdown75]

it shocks me to the core to find out that some of the members here aren't "normal".

 

[Arcadio]

Monster Cables from Best Buy don't not appreciate criticism.

If you're going to be nosy sticking your business where they don't belong, at least be informed enough to tell them they sould be using Monster cables. D:

On the contrary, if I see that they are using Monster Cables, I tell them that they could've bought cables of similar quality for a fraction of the price.

 

[clamum]

srs thread is srs!

 

[aleckz]

You probably have a minor case, but you should be able to correct your actions if you are aware of them. Just keep in mind that when you enter someone's house, it isn't yours. Unless they ask you to fix something, then let it be. You may understand more about the product or the material, but those people who set it up may be comfortable with the way it is and may not want it changed (I know I wouldn't want mine changed). Just realize that you may be a perfectionist, but some are not and they will never intend to be. Relax and remember you have your own problems and your own systems to worry about.

Figure out ways to focus your attention on something else. If you find yourself getting anxious about asking a person about their set up, ask if you can get a glass of water or go to the restroom to wash your hands. Over time, taking action to calm yourself may reduce your anxiety levels.

My girlfriend has a pretty strong case of OCD, but she limits herself to our environment. When she is at another place, she doesn't touch anything or move anything, she engages herself in conversation, taking action against her OCD. However, when something is out of place in our house, she does correct it to the way she likes it. She can ignore somethings, while other things annoy her to the point to where she has to change it. This is something I've been working on with her, but it seems like an endless battle. All we can do is try to work it out, make the best out of our situations and try to live our lives to the fullest.

I hope you find some help in this and if you really think it's a serious problem, there are plenty of people you can see to try to get you on a path that will help you defeat your OCD.

Good luck!@

 

[jjzelinski]

It's a joke.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I'm pretty sure this post is a joke, but what you're describing is actually codependent. A lot of IT people end up like this because our jobs are not much more than being servants.


So, if this is a serious post then look up crap on codependency. I wouldn't be surprised if their were books out there catered towards IT people.

 

[RESmonkey]

arcadio, people are generaally tech-stupid. dont mind them

 

[MedicBob]

If you really had OCD, you would have typed CDO, they are in the correct order.

 

[Arcadio]

It's a joke.

I'm pretty sure this post is a joke, but what you're describing is actually codependent. A lot of IT people end up like this because our jobs are not much more than being servants.


So, if this is a serious post then look up crap on codependency. I wouldn't be surprised if their were books out there catered towards IT people.

This is a serious thread.

I know I shouldn't mind other people's business, but the big "what if" always wins. What if they really want to take advantage of the full capabilities of their electronics? What if they are using inferior connections not because they want them that way, but because they don't know that they could get a better connection?

 

[geno]

What if they are using inferior connections not because they want them that way, but because they don't know that they could get a better connection?

What if they don't care? Try to put it into perspective. What if someone consistently approached you about something you don't care about, like, knitting doilies? What if you were badgered by them and pressured by them to do something you're just not all that interested in?

Sure, that might not describe 100% of the people you "help", but think of it that way to help break the cycle. It's your brain, take control of it and not the other way around.

 

[Lean L]

It is good practice to count to 100000 between posts and to click the mouse exactly 20000 times. The clincher is that they both have to end at exactly the same time, 10 hours after the initial post.

 

[TallBill]

Shens, you don't have any friends/acquaintances.

 

[brblx]

OP- this is not OCD. this is a quirk you have developed from being a nerd. it is something you can control.

having OCD implies you have problems with constant obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (actions). not just an occasional oddity with one household item.

 

[Fritzo]

OCD - A psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person's life.

Geek - A person that worries about cable quality/efficiency or has to study movies to point out plot holes and inconsistencies.

 

[Crono]

OCD - A psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person's life.

Geek - A person that worries about cable quality/efficiency or has to study movies to point out plot holes and inconsistencies.

That sums it up nicely.

I can't help but comment on computers or other electronic items that my friends get, or the software they use.

I'm a tech geek. If I know more than you, I'm going to give you my opinion.

It works the other way, too. Friends that know/care about fashion (I really have no care whatsoever for what I wear) sometimes give me advice (mostly criticism ) about my clothing. I'm fine with that. Same thing for a lot of subjects. Knowledgeable people should be giving advice and constructive criticism, so long as it's done in a friendly and not condescending manner.

Sometimes I'm condescending, though, when it comes to what I think are really bad choices, or when close friends and family don't consult me on purchases. I know deals and tech, damn it, ask me first!

 

[Soundmanred]

This is what constant psuedointellectualism does to your brain.
You actually start to think that you know something.
Stop while you're behind!

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

It's not OCD. It's XKCD.

 

[Miramonti]

I'm going to start attaching dye packs to my media cables from now on for people like you.