Glass doors, eyeglasses, screens, drinking glasses, ATM machines, public countertops, tape, glue, windows, cell phone screens, mirrors, remote controls. What do these have in common for me? Fear.
One of my most unusual fears is using tape at work. How do you use it without leaving fingerprints? You can’t.
I’ve researched this fear for years. It isn’t about guilt or getting caught. It’s a deep‑rooted anxiety about fingerprints being found and misused. I understand the science behind them, yet understanding doesn’t always quiet fear.
I recognize I have some OCD tendencies. I’ve mentioned them lightly before, but they weren’t always part of my life. This fear didn’t appear out of nowhere.
It began after prolonged trauma. When safety is repeatedly violated, the brain learns to stay on high alert. Ordinary objects no longer feel ordinary. Small details feel dangerous. Even harmless surfaces can trigger unease.
Looking back, I realize how much changed. I once enjoyed working with my hands and creating without hesitation. Fingerprints never crossed my mind. Trauma rewired that freedom into caution.
Today, I’m making a decision. Fear no longer gets the final word. Understanding its root gives me power to move forward. Healing may be gradual, but fear does not control me.
Lord Jesus, give me the strength not to live governed by fear.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.Psalm 56:3–4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?”
I, too, have a fear of fingerprints. I will only use a glass once before tossing it in the dishwasher and retrieving a fresh one for a refill. Computer monitors, tape, windows, mirrors, phones, you name it. I have lately developed several ridiculous fears, including climbing stairs. Have you found any other information on the fingerprints thing though? I've been searching without any luck.
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ReplyDeleteHi, I am so glad to find your blog because I too have this ridiculous fear. I don't know what caused it however once i became aware of it so many things from my life made sense like how I always mess my shoes up because I cant walk straight because i can't let my toes touch the ground for fear of leaving prints. I am at my wits end on what to do, I know it's quite irrational however I can't seem to stop. I have never been in trouble with the law and I remember having this since the 3rd grade. If you have any tips on how to cope with it i will be beyond grateful as it screws with my life as Im a weightress and my job is beyond hard because i need to always wear gloves and even so I can't use my fingertips. I need some help in this area so please get back to me!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have that too i can't resist leaving my finger prints then wiping them of, the tip of my fingers hurts when i leave fingerprints behind i can't even type without my finger looking wierd my friend won't even believe me she just said"your just making excuses!just STOP that"and every time she keeps making me leave finger prints ●﹏●
ReplyDeletehey, im pretty sure you’re not alone and im really sorry for what youre experiencing, i hope you’re doing great now after like 12 years of publishing this blog.
ReplyDeleteim glad that ive found your blog, i really thought that i was the only one experiencing my fear of leaving fingerprints, it just started one day and i dont know how. i dont think that ive had any trauma that causes this kind of ocd to me but yeah it happened. im still in the beginning of it, didnt reach the stage to clean every single thing i touch because im scared of what people are gonna think of me but i just try smearing my fingerprints and wiping it with my hand hoping that it works, i feel like i finally found my people here i’ve always thought that i was alone i love you all💕