The feeling of discomfort or being bothered by sticky things could be attributed to individual sensory preferences and sensitivities. Sensory processing is a complex neurological process that allows us to receive, organize, and respond to information from our environment through our senses (e.g., touch, taste, smell, sight, sound). Some individuals may have sensory sensitivities or sensory processing differences, which can lead to certain textures, sensations, or stimuli being perceived as uncomfortable or overwhelming.
There are a few potential reasons why sticky things might bother you:
Tactile Sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to tactile (touch) sensations than others. Sticky textures might feel unpleasant or bothersome due to heightened sensitivity to touch.
Sensory Integration Issues: Sensory integration refers to the brain's ability to process and organize sensory information. When there are challenges in sensory integration, certain textures, like stickiness, might be processed differently, leading to discomfort.
Neurological Factors: The brain's response to sensory input can vary from person to person. What might be perceived as neutral or enjoyable by one individual could be distressing to another due to differences in neurological processing.
Past Experiences: Negative past experiences or associations with sticky things could lead to an aversion to such textures. Even a single negative experience with a particular texture can create an ongoing discomfort.
Anxiety or Discomfort with Messiness: Some people may have anxiety or discomfort related to messiness or the feeling of being unclean, which can be triggered by sticky textures.
If your discomfort with sticky things significantly affects your daily life or causes distress, it might be beneficial to discuss it with a healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or a sensory processing specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and offer strategies to help manage sensory sensitivities or explore ways to desensitize to certain textures if desired.
Remember that sensory preferences and sensitivities are part of normal human variation. It's okay to have individual likes and dislikes when it comes to sensory experiences. If sticky textures bother you, it's essential to respect your feelings and find ways to cope or adapt to your environment comfortably.