In the USSR, left-handedness was perceived as a bad habit that could and should be eliminated. Only in 1986, the Ministry of Education adopted a provision on left-handers and retraining was canceled. But the difficulties in life remained, and what looks like an ordinary task for a right-hander, for a left-hander is an action that requires real skill.
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Computer work
The main button on a computer mouse is the left one, and for left-handers, this is a real problem. Holding the mouse in their working hand, many of them have to press the main key with their middle finger, which causes inconvenience. Especially for this, in any operating system, there is now an option to make the right key the main one. And so that the hand does not get tired, special ergonomic mice with an inclination to the left have been developed.
There are also problems with the keyboard. The convenient panel of arrows and keys with numbers on the keyboards of the usual type is always located on the right. Stretching your hand across the entire body is inconvenient, so for several years now you can find devices on sale in which the digital panel has been moved to the left.
Clothes, phone, tools – everything is made for right-handers
In everyday life, inconvenience for left-handed people begins in the morning: fastening buttons and zippers on clothes is a test for them. Then the phone is in the hands, and you also need to adapt to it. Key to send messages, quick actions, they are all located on the right side of the screen. Even the location of the volume and power buttons is often right-handed.
When driving a car, it is very difficult for left-handed people to get distracted and get something with their hands, for example, from the glove compartment or from a bag that lies on the front seat. And on scooters and bicycles, all the main controls – the rear brake and switching the main speeds – are located on the right side of the steering wheel.
When visiting a bank or other organization, it is better for left-handed people to have their ballpoint pen with them for signing documents. The chain, with which the handles are “nailed” to the right of the visitor, will interfere with filling out documents, if its length is generally enough to comfortably take it in the writing hand. Working with tools also requires skill: a tape measure, a pruner, a grinder – all these things in one way or another cause difficulties for a person working with his left hand.
Kitchenware
The kitchen is also going to be tested. A can opener, kitchen scissors, meat pruners are all very difficult to use.
Oh yes, and a mitt. It is designed for the right hand, so the thermal coating on it is located on the wrong side.
Study and stationery
The school has special guidelines for teachers about left-handed students. Lighting for such children should be on the right, and it is better to plant them on the left side of the desk so that they do not collide with their elbows with their neighbors. Writing in a notebook for a left-hander can turn into a real nightmare. The hand slides over the newly written words and can smear the still wet ink. Because of this, both the hand is dirty and there is dirt in the notebook. Now this problem is solved by purchasing a special S-shaped handle. The curve of the working part helps to reduce the load on the hand, and the special ink absorbs into the paper faster and does not smear.
Sports
But in the sports environment, the situation is ambiguous. When working with complex equipment, lefties have a very hard time, but in sports games they have an advantage. For example, few fencers, boxers or volleyball players expect to meet a left-handed person, and the surprise effect for the opponent is triggered. However, lefties are also not ready for such a situation, therefore, if two left hands meet, it will be unusual for both.