I tear paper and roll it into tiny balls

66% Normal
11 Comments

OK, this has been going on for as long as I can remember...at the very least 7+ years.

I basically tear a small piece off of a piece of napkin, envelope, tissue, toilet paper, or some other piece of paper (wherever I am) and roll that portion into a small ball about 1/8th to 1/16th in diameter (about the size of couscous or large grains of sand). I sometimes do this unconsciously, but mostly I realize I am doing it; and even try to stop sometimes, but continue in a few minutes. I remember when I was in college a while back (let's just say 10+ years ago) I had notebooks with the covers half torn off like a mouse ate them, that's how bad I used to be. I sometimes like to roll/twist larger pieces of paper usually like tissue or napkin work the best like a drill bit, only smaller of course, and then fold one side over and twist it further (like a helix) and then keep doing that until it is small enough that I can roll it into a ball. Then I just throw it on the ground.

A few years ago I'd have little piles of this stuff end up in various areas of my apartment, that when swept up amounted to about a cup or two of little balls.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea...Is this normal? I am not sure if there is something wrong with me or are there other people that do this?

Thanks for reading

Voting Results
66% Normal
Based on 146 votes (96 yes)
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Comments ( 11 )
  • daily
    12 years ago

    I know somebody who does the same thing.

    I myself do a variation of that - I rather roll the paper into a very tight straight "roll" - and then when its so tight, I fold + twist that roll until it breaks.

    I think its a mannerism to cope with stress, boredom, whatever.. like when others play with balls in their hand.

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  • gar
    13 years ago

    sure its ok ,not harming anyone ,if its a comfort thing it will do you more good than anything........

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  • Kaytiarafaith
    1 year ago

    I have been doing this for at least 35 years. It started around 5 years old rolling my hair into little tiny balls and ripping them out. My dad caught me and got onto me about it, so I began doing it with paper. Idk why but I have always done this. I swear I leave a trail of paper balls at ever place I am stationary at for too long lol Driving, watching TV, etc...I guess it's a nervous tik? I also wonder if it is a sign of high functioning autism? I'm glad to read I am not alone in this strange behavior though.

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  • Tommybanana
    3 years ago

    You all are not alone. I'm learning that there are many like us. I roll anything into little balls (my best medium is straw paper) and I also roll flat paper into tight straight rolls similar to a lollipop stick. I'm not sure why I/we do what we do but there has to be some purpose by design at play.

    I want all of you to know that each one of you is special.

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  • 30ish
    5 years ago

    I literally am here because I roll so much paper I thought I was nuts. I always thought it was a stress relief thing but sometimes I do it when I’m not stressed at all. It’s comforting and harmless. I tear receipts and have a mess of paper balls everywhere. Anyone else have children or family with autism?

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  • mrbrownfinger
    7 years ago

    At least you have a hobby, it's better than pokemon go anyway

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  • LeighK25
    7 years ago

    I've been doing this since I was a child, I always leave a trail of little paper balls everywhere I go, lol its become a huge joke in my office, I think it tends to sooth us in a way, not sure,

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  • Chazmaniandevil
    7 years ago

    I do the exact samething you do. Accept I try not to lose them, I have like 2 or 3 I would just use for a day or 2, but I normally lose them after the day, and have too make more. I really thought I was alone on doing that.

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  • Kitty3
    13 years ago

    26163@ that's not nice

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  • satkaru
    14 years ago

    My 6 year old son does this a lot. He finds peace and hapiness tearing papers into even sized slices and holds them for a while. After which he will rollthem up in to tiny circles..

    My question to you is..would you this when you are stressed or tensed or it doesnt really matter. Can you check if your palms are sweaty when you are doing this...

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  • 26163
    14 years ago

    No this isn't normal, you freak!

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