What your shower direction says about you - Expert explains the viral TikTok theory
Experts have waded into the debate over the "correct" direction to face while showering, following claims that neurodivergent people tend to shower facing away from the water.While it's likely you've never given much thought to which way you stand in the shower, it seems this preference could actually reveal quite a bit about your personality.That's according to TikTok user Canadian Ginger, who insists that those who wash themselves while turned away from the shower head are doing it "the right way".Her observations quickly caught fire, amassing 1.4 million views within six days - with scores of others chipping in with their own views. Responding to the post, one commenter asked: "I'm so confused... people face the showerhead? Why? No way that's the normal way."Another concurred: "I was just saying this exact thing to my husband and he agrees that there is no way anyone showers facing the water. It could be because we are old and have back pain though."While a third TikTok user joked: "I thought facing the shower head was only for characters in movies having drama moments."On the other hand, others argued the complete opposite, lending weight to the neurodivergent theory, reports the Mirror."I'm neurodivergent and I shower in front," one person explained. "I just put the shower head downwards so it faces my body and not my face."Similarly, a second person shared: "I am neurodivergent and I face the shower head most of the time, just step far enough back and angled below my face. I step closer to exfoliate my face and turn around to wash my hair."While a third declared: " I stand with my face directly in the water! So relaxing."But are there right and wrong ways? According to one expert, the direction we opt for is typically influenced by how water spray feels against our faces and bodies - and our tolerance for that particular sensation."A lot of it comes down to sensory preference and nervous system regulation, Dr Vincent Candrawinata told news.com.au.The scientist elaborated: "The face is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, packed with nerve endings.""Direct water hitting your face can feel overstimulating, especially if the pressure is high, the temperature is hot and you're already stressed or fatigued."Dr Vincent continued: "Facing away can feel more calming and controlled. It reduces sensory input and gives a sense of relaxation, which is why many people instinctively turn their back when they want to unwind."Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.
