I'm 13 and I have a problem. Over the past few weeks, I have been feeling the need to clean things. The feeling usually comes when I notice that something is dirty, but I also just want to wash myself sometimes. It has been getting worse, an I am not sure what to do about it. Possibly the worst part is that my dad never washes his hands or flushes the toilet after using the restroom. I start wanting to just wash them, make them clean. The only thing I know is that there is something about myself that I hate and desperately want to change (I won't tell you what it is). Does anyone know of some way to make this feeling stop? While I really don't mind the feeling, a little boy going around cleaning everything in sight could get weird. It might be OCD (I doubt it, though), me trying to make myself "clean", or something else. Any opinions or suggestions on how to stop it are welcome.

Why would you want to stop? There is nothing wrong with being a clean person. Even if it is "obsessively". But I think the root of it is your father. He sounds like a dirty person and that really gets to you, so you are the opposite. Embrace it, it's far better than being lazy and dirty.

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Originally Posted by Lawngnomez

I'm 13 and I have a problem. Over the past few weeks, I have been feeling the need to clean things. The feeling usually comes when I notice that something is dirty, but I also just want to wash myself sometimes. It has been getting worse, an I am not sure what to do about it. Possibly the worst part is that my dad never washes his hands or flushes the toilet after using the restroom. I start wanting to just wash them, make them clean. The only thing I know is that there is something about myself that I hate and desperately want to change (I won't tell you what it is). Does anyone know of some way to make this feeling stop? While I really don't mind the feeling, a little boy going around cleaning everything in sight could get weird. It might be OCD (I doubt it, though), me trying to make myself "clean", or something else. Any opinions or suggestions on how to stop it are welcome.

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"The only thing I know is that there is something about myself that I hate and desperately want to change (I won't tell you what it is)." This statement seems to have all the answers, no I don't want to know what it is, that is for you. But as the wise Yoda says, “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”
What do I mean by that, I mean you must find within yourself what it is you don't like, as you seem to already know, and face it. Let it tear at your feelings, and your very soul, but react not, to the feelings you have, for you are one of self control. Even if you don't believe me, you are. Take responsibility for your own THoughts, feelings and actions.
So what am I suggesting, talking to some one about the thing you hate, and want to change. And as Yoda says, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Yes, it may be that your hate is not the problem but your fear, of the consequences of the action or feeling you partake in. Seek a trusted friend, or a counselor to guid you, for this seems to be too personal for us to help with.

Peace be with you.