The Struggles of Being Left-Handed (II)

So I published the first part of this article and I was surprised with how many fellow lefties I have in here. We surely had a lot of things in common. Common struggles t be exact.

Having said that, here are some of the lists I have not mentioned in my first article. So let's continue.

Automated Teller Machines

I didn't realize that Automated Teller Machines will also contribute to struggling for us lefties. I haven't seen a machine designed for us lefties. The insert card hold is always placed on the right side.

I have felt the struggle when I entered college. My mom gave me her debit card so she can just easily send money for tuition and allowances through her bank without worrying about transaction fees like remittance centers have.

The first time I stepped on with ATMs, I didn't mind because I was with my mom at that time. I didn't realize that I'll encounter little challenges when withdrawing money.

When I was on my own already, that's when I felt the need to take the courage and operate the machine. My anxiety goes up and under and I keep memorizing the pin code.

I inserted the card through my left hand and just followed the procedures. Thankfully, I got the money and the card did not get stuck. Honestly, my main concern is what if the machine eats up the card and never gives it back. Filing a report takes a long time and my mom will scold me for sure.

Nevertheless, my left hand got used to inserting the card since then.

Can openers

I believe this kitchen utensil is what we lefties are most struggling with. Can openers are mainly designed for right-handed people and when we try to use them, it's the worst. You are not going to get the desired result, it's either you ask for help from a right-handed person or get pissed off all day.

When I was working in Davao, I never ran out of canned goods most especially if there are no stores selling budget meals. It's unfortunate for a lefty to use the can opener. On the other hand, there are canned goods designed with an "easy open" pull-up feature. Although I can't fully open the can with it, I just open it slightly and then use a knife or spoon to follow the trail.

Now that my right hand could no longer grip, what I normally do is I step on the can to establish strong support so it's easier for me to slightly open the can and fully open it with a spoon.

Dining tables

Dining out is something a lefty is mostly concerned with. One reason why I also isolate myself when dining is because of the elbows bumping when you sit next to a right-handed person. Now it makes me think if we are meant to be. Haha.

Whenever I go outside and dine in, I always choose a table enough for myself. However, I take that as an advantage too so I can avoid people from socializing. I just eat there silently enjoying my food.

When I dine out with a group, which rarely happens. Thank God. I always make sure that I sit on the left side corner so our elbows wouldn't meet when someone is reaching something.

Cameras

I haven't seen a camera customized for left-handed people. The shutter is usually placed on the right side of the camera. Personally, it's a struggle now that my right hand is no longer that functional compared to before. If you are a follower of my articles, you would know what I meant.

But as technology advances, lefties wouldn't have a hard time capturing memorable moments through their phone. Still, those cameras with high-tech features deliver the best quality for video presentations.

Coffee Mug Designs

Growing up, I used to drink milk every day before going to school. The struggle of holding a mug didn't have a major effect in my routine but there's one thing I noticed recently. I just discovered it recently.

I stopped drinking milk when I entered college because my parents used to make one for me until high school. Yeah, such a baby or just a lazy lady. Anyway, I stopped drinking milk because that's when my stomach refuses to take it because I started to become acidic.

When I was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, I stopped drinking milk instead I only drink hot water every morning.

I think this is not really a struggle but just an odd moment to realize. The designs for mugs are usually printed facing for right-handed people. Although there are mugs fully covered with designs. Anyway, I'll just shrug this off and make this a big deal.

Playing sports

I used to play lawn tennis before during summer camps. The first time I entered the camp, I was overwhelmed with how many kids were joining. I thought of not making it to the end because the camp was intense.

Our coaches were patient and friendly though. They regroup the lefties from the right-handed kids so they can adjust where to throw the tennis balls when the drills start.

I have to make adjustments to the directions too since most of the players were right-handed. Then again, I got the Most Improved and Most Promising awards.

I remember when my coach took time to had a drill with me exercising my forehand and backhand strokes. He must be impressed so he gave me those awards.

Playing instruments

I used to play the flute when I was in grade school. Playing it didn't have much of an issue with my left-handedness. As well as playing the guitar. The good thing is that even though I'm left-handed, I can still play the guitar with the usual playing style and order.

Then I learned to play the piano recently but the left-handed dominance didn't take another set of struggles.

So those were the struggles of being left-handed. We make adjustments almost every day to fit into the world designed for right-handed people.

Right-handed fellas, I have huge respect on you for dominating the world.

To my fellow lefties, wanna add something on the list?

Thanks for reading.

Keep safe everyone ❤