I spent a lot of time, too much really, thinking about my socks today.
I have a pair of wool-blend socks that I really like - they keep my feet warm when I'm outdoors without being unbearably hot when I go inside. These socks are also unique for me in that they are the only pair of socks I own that have a designation for which foot they are meant for. The socks are black but each one has a yellow triangle with either the letter 'R' or 'L'. This triangle ends up positioned over the base of the big toe when worn on the appropriate foot. There are also markings claiming arch support - again requiring the socks be worn on the correct foot.
What I've been pondering is that this is the only pair of socks I've worn where I know for a fact I've always worn the same sock on the same foot. That's fine and not surprising since I'm a rule follower and I would never knowingly go against my socks' wishes. What's weird is that I cannot say with 100% certainty that I don't have other pairs of socks where this is also the case. There is a chance, albeit a small one, that I possess another pair of socks where, through random chance or dumb luck, I've always worn the same sock on the same foot. In fact, there is a infinitesimally small chance that I've done this with all my socks. It boggles my mind.
I know that tomorrow, when I'm getting dressed, I'll think about this. I'll consider the socks I'm about to put on. Could this be a pair that's never been switched up? Will this be the morning that breaks the streak? Should I put them on then take them off and swap them just to end the uncertainty? I must admit there is something appealing to doing this. I wonder how my wife would react if after work I went through all my socks and put each pair on, took them off, swapped them and put them on again, and finally took them off and put them away. I can imagine the sense of satisfaction after finishing the last pair - finally knowing my sock status.
On the other hand, there's probably nothing wrong with a little mystery. I just hate thinking about that moment when I decide which sock goes to which foot - knowing that I could possibly be ending something special. What I used to think of as a rather mundane action suddenly feels much more important. I truly do not need to be looking for another consequential decision in my life.
I'm not exactly sure how I'll handle putting on socks long term, but for tomorrow I think I will get dressed in the dark and let the fates decide.
