Paperclips & Neurotransmitters

Do you ever fidget with paperclips? Bend them? Twist them around? I do. I often do it during meetings or when I'm sitting around with colleagues and talking about work stuff.

I sometimes do it during presentations, obviously under the table or behind a podium where no one sees. I even did it during my thesis defense.

It's stress relief, I guess.

Apparently, I also end up making little paperclip hearts sometimes.

Ugh. I tried to tell you. All that dopamine and serotonin. It's real. And powerful.  


Bleh. Somebody make it stop.

*Afterthought: Yesterday, I also found myself nearly squealing with glee at the oh-so-adorable little boy dressed in his very-first-day-of-school-best, standing on his porch proudly while his mom and dad took pictures to commemorate the event. Two blocks later, I was ready to drive to the animal shelter and adopt a puppy because I saw the cutest, tail-wagging, leash-chewing puppy out for a walk with its owner. Again, gleeful "oohs" and "ahhs" ensued. I reminded myself I have two dogs. And no time for a puppy. Sigh.