People Who Can't Stand Using Paper Straws & Wooden To-Go Spoons Usually Have 10 Distinct Traits
Andrea Prochilo | Pexels The second certain people receive a paper straw or wooden to-go spoon, they can't help but feel a bit slighted. While some would just shrug it off and keep going, not thinking anything of it, others have a whole different experience. While the new alternatives of restaurants and coffee shops using environmentally friendly utensils have shown significant promise in helping reduce waste and even promoting global sustainability, it doesn't mean that everyone is on board with it. They aren't trying to be difficult at all; in fact, people who can't stand using paper straws and wooden to-go spoons usually have certain distinct traits.
For them, their reaction comes from a particular and deeper way of how they like to experience things. People who react this strongly usually have a lot of other little tendencies that go along with it. They notice how things feel and function, so when something doesn't fit what they're used to, it can be hard for them to adjust. That one tiny discomfort suddenly becomes their main focus, even if everything else is fine. They know exactly what will bother them, so they try to avoid it altogether. But it truly does say more about them than people realize at first glance.
People who can't stand using paper straws and wooden to-go spoons usually have 10 distinct traits
1. They're hyper-aware of textures
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People who react strongly to things like paper straws or wooden spoons usually have a specific way of doing things because of texture. Their focus immediately lasers in on the feeling of every sip and bite of having to use both. Even if they try to push past it, the distraction lingers longer than they'd like. "Sensory overload can be triggered by overstimulation of one or all five senses, and the emotional and physical reactions can be mild, moderate, or severe," explained mental health counselor Kailey Spina Horan.
It's not that they want to dwell on it, either. In fact, they probably try their hardest not to. They just can't help that it holds their attention. Instead, these individuals like when things are consistent and predictable. They like to know what kind of texture they're getting rather than being surprised with ones they aren't fans of.
2. They have strong preferences about how things should feel
When something matches the standard of how things should feel, everything is fine and they aren't even thinking about it. But when something doesn't, like paper straws and wooden spoons, the difference can stand out immediately.
"Preferences refer to your likes and dislikes and your personal choices and have the potential to give you joy and satisfaction. For example, you may prefer spending time outdoors, listening to music, or reading a good book. These preferences positively influence your emotions when outdoors and negatively when you're stuck indoors," said clinical psychologist Michael R. Edelstein.
A lot of it comes down to how their brains think of these sensations. Certain textures might be good for them while others are not at all. There's no middle ground, either. There isn't room for trying to work with something that they already know they don't like. That's why something small can feel like a huge slight. They might just be utensils to someone else, but to them their brains are registering as something completely different.
3. They think about comfort more than the average person
Comfort is just something that is always running in the background of their minds. They're constantly making tiny adjustments without even realizing it. They're just aware of what feels right and what doesn't, which is why they tend to notice discomfort a lot earlier than most people would.
Someone might not register an issue until it's really bothering them, but they're able to pick up on it before it becomes a big deal. Since their threshold for discomfort is lower, that's why they're quick to try and avoid it. It truly does shape every decision they make. Comfort is never an afterthought, it's the reason for why they do certain things and like one thing over the other.
4. They become frustrated when they can't fix a problem immediately
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The moment that a problem can't be fixed is when people like this become even more annoyed. Their brains are able to notice that things aren't adding up and need to be resolved right in that moment. There's no waiting around or trying to go about their day until they can get to it.
If anything, they'll drop everything just to tackle that one issue, even if it's minor. They feel like they can't regain control over things again until it's addressed. Having to waste time suffering through something that can be solved drives them up the wall. It goes back to their issues with discomfort and needing to feel at ease.
5. They don't like feeling rushed
People who can't stand using paper straws and wooden to-go spoons like being able to fully enjoy an experience without feeling like they're being pulled in two different directions. Even using these utensils can feel like there's a time limit before they both get soggy and the meal is ruined.
When they're rushed, it's a loss of complete control. They like to know how things will go so that it gives them the ability to move at their own pace. Being hurried means their entire world is being flipped on its head. Taking their time means they get to enjoy something on a level that they've been looking forward to doing.
6. They prefer consistency and predictability
It's not that they don't enjoy sprucing things up, but they like to know what they're walking into and not having to think twice about it. They may be used to getting plastic straws and spoons, so when that suddenly shifts, it can send their nervous system into overdrive.
"Being consistent is not the same as being boring. It is not the same as being totally predictable, either. People who are consistent can be fun, creative, innovative, adventure-seeking, expansive, even spontaneous in many different ways," health expert Bruce Y. Lee explained.
They like when there's no guessing involved, even with something as simple as the utensils they're given when they go out to eat. That's why the smallest changes can seem bigger than they actually are. They're now forced to adjust to the change in real time.
7. They hate surprises in everyday routines
Considering these individuals already have a mental map of how things should be, it catches them off-guard when things suddenly start to switch up. They can handle change just fine, but it's the unexpected nature of it that ends up leaving a mark.
Their everyday routines are comforting because they know what they're getting. When something comes along to disrupt that, it's hard for their brains to make sense of it. Even if the change is harmless and for the betterment of them, they don't see it that way. They see it as a slight against them. It leaves them feeling off-balance for a long time afterwards as well.
8. They can't stand forcing themselves to tolerate things
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They want to protect their energy as best as they can. It means they aren't just going to push themselves to like someone when it feels off. They're not trying to avoid being responsible, it's just that these small discomforts can pile up. That makes them more selective when choosing to tolerate something and when they just don't have the mental capacity for doing so at all.
Every time they try to push past a feeling of discomfort, a part of their brain stays locked on it. So, they just want to avoid that altogether. They're saving themselves the anguish of being in a situation or around people that just make them feel uncomfortable.
9. Small discomforts can feel big
It might start as something minor like the feeling of a paper straw becoming soggy, and suddenly their brain just can't get around it. Rather than actually being able to enjoy their drink and food, there's now this level of irritation simmering inside.
Part of it is just because of how quickly their focus lasers in on the discomfort. "Our level of tolerance toward discomfort is based upon how much unease we feel about it, how unbearable it seems, and how much we want to get rid of it," clinical psychologist Jennifer Caspari pointed out.
Everything becomes secondary. They might have been in a good mood before and then that one annoying sensation ruins everything. The more they try to ignore it, the more obvious it starts to feel. And before they know it, it's the main thing they remember the most. The discomfort might feel unnecessary, but they just can't help but feel it in the first place.
10. They're thrown off when expectations aren't met
When reality doesn't line up all the way, it can trigger them to feel uneasy. When they expect things to be a certain way, it allows for them to actually relax because they know exactly what's coming. By having a plan in place, it reduces the risk of them being surprised, another thing they can't stand happening.
But the problem with having certain expectations is that life doesn't always work out that way. Things can change at the drop of a hat and you really have to learn how to roll with the punches sometimes. As much effort as people try to put into things going smoothly, life really does have a habit of throwing those plans into complete chaos.
Nia Tipton is a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and journalism who covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on psychology, relationships, and the human experience.
