Old Wives' Tales

Hey friend,

This is the first time I am blogging from work, and while I was cutting the humungous A1 size paper into smaller pieces, I accidentally cut the tip of my finger. Now, my instant reaction was to suck on it, instead of washing it or cleansing it. Why I did that, I don't know, but it's an impulsive reaction. Anytime there is a cut on my finger, I suck on it. It's something I have seen others do and so thought it must be effective. Plus it's a clever thing to do in public where you may not have access to tissue paper or wash room.

While I was sucking on it, I was instantly taken back to Jeddah, where at a party, one of the kids hurt herself. Another came up and told her to suck on the wound because you are taking in your own blood, thus avoiding any blood loss from your body. "What? How silly can you get?" I argued with her, but she was adamant that by sucking on your own blood, you are maintaining your quantity of blood. (So, like, if I suck on someone else's finger, will that blood be mixed in with mine or what?)

While on that topic, below are some of the more absurd old wives' tales I have heard over the years, and I wonder how much truth there is in each of these.

1. Anytime you cut yourself, either suck on it, or apply toothpaste.
2. Cleaning your teeth with your finger and toothpaste is more effective than a regular toothbrush.
3. Avoid drinking milk after eating fish to avoid developing white spots.
4. Anytime a cat or dog bites you, you need several injections in your stomach.
5. Eating almonds helps you keep your memory strong (my dad does this every morning!)
6. Biting your fingernails is like eating pork.
7. Using any perfume is not allowed because it has alcohol contents (I refuse to believe this one, but my cousin still strongly believes in this one till today!)
8. *For Men* Wearing briefs instead of boxers is not good for sperm production.
9. Carrots gives you amazing eyesight (yeah right!)
10. Never have lentils for dinner (someone told me this one, and I still don't understand the logic, hence the term Old Wives' Tales!)

Ok, so these are all I can come up at the spur of the moment. By the way, I once defied my grandfather and drank a whole glass of milk after eating tuna sandwiches just to prove to him you don't get white spots. I was being so bad.

Hey, do you guys know any more to add to the list?

Mansur