It is not loose, it is lose!

One of my more memorable traits is being obsessive compulsive. It shows itself in many and varied ways. Over the years I have managed to control some of the compulsions. I no longer turn lights on and off and on and off, but I have been known to check that the stove is off multiple times. I make sure all my coat hangers are all turned the same way in the wardrobe. I fold my undies in a particular way. It can be exhausting, living in this head. But on the plus side, I am an ace when it comes to tidying cupboards. And if you want a bag packed perfectly then I am the person to see.

Because I have done a lot of editing and proof-reading over the years, I am obsessive about spelling - and the correct use of apostrophes. My friends have a lot of fun with me if I make a spelling mistake or put an apostrophe in the wrong place on my Facebook page.

Since being on the 12WBT I have been driven to distraction by two simple mistakes that appear again and again on the on-line forums (and yes, that should be 'fora' but I am not that obsessive). I have been tempted to say something on one of the on-line forums but I thought better of that and decided to put it down here. Then it done and I can let go of it!

The first is the use of 'lose' and 'loose'.

People lose weight; things become loose. An easy way to remember the correct usage is this sentence:

When you lose weight your clothes become loose

The second is the use of 'lie' and 'lay'. (Dare I say it, but Mish is guilty of this one.)

You lay things out. You lie down. You can remember the difference by this sentence:

I lay my clothes out at night before I lie down in bed.