10 Ways the World Is Designed for Righties

Happy Left-Handers Day…August 13th!  We celebrate the 1 in 10 people who navigate a world designed for right-handers. If you’re not left-handed, you might not realize how many everyday items favor righties.

You’re probably aware of the big ones like scissors and can openers, but here are a few more challenges lefties face:

1. Jeans Zippers: The flap covering the zipper is on the left, making it tricky to zip up with your left hand.
2. Credit Card Machines: The swiper and pen are always on the right side, just like the pens at banks.
3. Measuring Cups: If you hold one in your left hand, you’re stuck reading milliliters instead of ounces.
4. Car Key Fobs: The buttons are designed for right-handed use, forcing lefties to open them upside down.
5. Microwaves: Opening the door with your left hand often means it swings right into your arm.
6. Rulers and Tape Measures: The numbers appear upside down if you use them left-handed.
7. Power Tools: Handles on tools like chop saws are on the right, requiring lefties to awkwardly reach over the blade—definitely not safe!
8. Novelty Coffee Mugs: Designs are often printed on one side, facing outwards for righties. For lefties, the design is hidden.
9. Playing Cards: Many decks only display numbers in two corners, making it hard for lefties to see their hand.
10. Serrated Knives: The teeth are set up for right-handed use, so lefties often end up with uneven slices, especially when cutting bread.

Let’s give a shoutout to all the lefties who manage to thrive in a right-handed world!