Left-handed people are forgotten in today’s society

Unlike most people, I am one of the lucky ones to be left-handed. This does not have any particular cultural significance — but it does seem to be an interesting “party trick.” I always find it amusing when someone sitting next to me exclaims, “Oh my goodness, I didn’t know you were left-handed?!”

Is being a lefty everything it is cracked up to be? Of course it is. But that doesn’t mean we look down on our fellow righties. In fact, we tend to be a little envious at times, as certain things are just easier for them to do.

Writing Utensils

Although the “pen is mightier than the sword,” there are some disadvantages for lefties when using writing utensils.

For one, whenever we finish using such tools, we always walk away with a bizarre semi-permanent ink or lead tattoo plaster to the side of our hand.

Although sometimes these patterns can be quite intriguing, we’d appreciate not having to smudge our notes, or leave palm stains on any surface we come into contact with.

So here’s to you, righties. That’s one point for you.

Cutlery

Like any person, I enjoy utilizing the art of a fork and knife. The downside to this was that I was never taught “properly” when to switch the knife and fork between hands to cut things.

Whenever I went to someone else’s house for dinner, they would always look at me perplexed by my methodology.

I have come to understand that I use my cutlery like a righty — strange isn’t it?

But hey, if this means lefties can eat more pizza than the other person, then who is the real winner here?

Analog Watches

Now I know what you are thinking: “lefties have a harder time wearing a watch?” Just hear me out. If you have ever worn an analog watch, you would have noticed the little dial on the right side of the watch face. That way, when you wear it on your left arm, your dominant, right hand can easily access the dial. Whereas for lefties, we are forced to do a little bit of contortionism in order to have our left hand maneuver the tiny mechanism sitting on the right wrist.

Can Openers

I am the only lefty in my family and therefore have been forced to adapt to technology in an alternative manner. Although this has made me semi-ambidextrous, the can opener has been significantly challenging. For my birthday a few years ago, my parents bought me a left-handed can opener, which I discovered I was unable to use and actually cut the top of the can off in the process.

Scissors

There is nothing more challenging than a pair of uncooperative scissors.

If they are not compatible with one’s left hand, they do nothing but bend the paper, rendering the operator useless. Often, if this happens, I have to ask a peer to cut something for me.

Computer Mice

The computer mouse is often placed on the accessible side for the dominate hand. As a result, I can only use a mouse with my right hand.

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