lol.
precisely my thoughts, dave, after reading this.
well I'm embarassed to say so, but I only became a more obsessive (or rather--compliant) handwasher in recent years. mainly because all that washing dries my skin out something fierce, and then you gotta spend extra time shmearing on the hand lotion.
when I was a wee one, I was gross. I mean really gross! I used to play in the mud, pick my nose, eat my poo, play with my spit. it drove my mom insane--she'd drag me into the bathroom and I'd make a huge stink coz she'd try to scrub my hands and face. I guess I liked being dirty. maybe some of that carried over into adult life? tee-hee.
now I pay more attention. riding the subway is an act of disgustingosity [that center pole is just totally gross and slimey], so I always wash my hands when I get to work. I wash them after a bathroom run [ahem. usually..but always after 2], after lunch, when I get home, or when they feel cruddy. but I don't really wash too much in-between, like after typing or a handshake (unless I see the person has a cold).
I am very conscientious about washing before and after I cook and before I play drums. cooking is obvious. the washing before playing thing is more ritual. it prepares me for playing, and makes my hands feel supple.
I refuse to use those hand sanitizers, though. a total sham. they installed a dispenser at the entrance to my job and I just balked when I saw it. I think they're the worse things you can use, and they leave you susceptible to greater disease.
I dunno. I realize that cleanliness is important, and I don't want to paint a picture of myself as a slob. but I never got too panicky about germs; I feel that our bodies do a decent job of warding off the main ones, and if we catch a cold, well...worse things could happen. I think it makes more sense to just boost your immune system overall, so when you do catch something, it's not as intense.
so remember: don't shake smoggy's hand if you ever meet her at a pasic convention.
