Monk

There's something seriously wrong with how the writers (or is it the producers?) present him. I have a disorder similar to Monk's, in that I don't like germs and I don't like the germs I imagine on other people's hands. I don't like to shake hands with people, I don't like to touch doorknobs. I can't stand pushing a grocery cart and will actually pull my sleeves down to cover the handlebar and keep from getting my hands on it. I use the paper towels in public restrooms to pull the door open. I'll even use sections of toilet paper to slide the latch. More likely, though, I won't even use the restroom at all; I'll hold it till I get home. I use my sleeves to open any public door. I keep handi-wipes in my car to clean my hands in case I pump gas or have to make a call from a public phone. (I don't have a cell phone.) And on it goes.

In most ways I'm not half as bad as Monk. I will shake hands with people without displaying any revulsion. I just keep feeling the *ahem* cooties till I can wash my hands, no matter how much later. If I have to touch a doorknob with my bare hands, I will, but I'll use a handiwipe as soon as I can. I don't worry about alcohol and I don't use scrub brushes or dishwashing detergent; simple soap or just a rinse in plain water are generally enough.

(You may laugh at this but you should know: I used to get four or five colds a year. Since I started not sharing germs with people, I get one cold every four or five years. Is it worth it? I would say so.)

But Monk doesn't seem to have any problems with doorknobs or grocery carts or picking up someone else's briefcase, all of which ought to be covered with germs.

I'll add to this later. But Monk is very inconsistent in his fussinesses.