<p>I think it’s a bit weird. Once or twice I’d say was absentmindedness, but “why bother” seems strange. I guess I’d say something like, “I am really bothered when you wear your clothing inside out. It makes me scared that there might be something wrong with you. Should I be worried?” And see what happens. Maybe he’s just lazy, but maybe it’s a sign of something more serious.</p>
<p>eastcoacrazy, I was ridiculously pleased to read your post. I also refuse, on principle, to turn my H’s socks right side out after they are washed. I figure there are two people who could do it: either the person who wore them and made them dirty, or the person who did not wear them but is kind enough to sort out the dirty clothes, carry them down two floors to the freezing cold basement, wash them (involving several trips down), sort and fold them, and carry them back up. (As far as I can tell, he does turn them right side out before he wears them…so why not do it before tossing it in the laundry bin?). I always think of it as a silent battle of wills but I like “passive aggressive laundry game” much better.</p>
<p>A hundred years ago, DH told me that I was not required to turn his socks right side out. That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed with him so long. ;)</p>
<p>In the 60’s there was a time when it was quite cool to wear sweatshirts inside out. To my knowledge this practice was only among high school students.</p>
<p>I wear mismatched socks all the time because I don’t see the return in attempting to get them right…they all look similar to me.</p>
<p>I also think it seems a bit weird and would be concerned if this is new behavior, especially if you see other changes. Maybe it’s nothing (hopefully) but he should be doing more to reassure you it IS nothing, especially since your daughter is concerned. Since he is a lawyer and usually well dressed, I am surprised he is not concerned with a client or others he knows seeing him out in public with his clothing out of whack.</p>
<p>Is he having trouble with anything else–like tying his necktie, for example? If this is a real manifestation of anything, it’s more likely to be something neurological, I think, than a sign of a mental breakdown.</p>
<p>he could be just tired of adhering to norms. That’s all it was with my DH. Just yanked in too many directions and tired of always needing to be in control of every detail, away from his work. You could say, his way of controlling what he consciously chose to control, on his own time. Letting go where he could. After a while, he stopped needing that. So, consider what else he may be dealing with.</p>
<p>Frankly telling him he’s scaring his child ought to be enough to make the change he might otherwise not care about. </p>
<p>If he actually can’t make the change, it might be a sign of something else. Might just be a case of the "____ it’s ". </p>
<p>Best to just ask him</p>
<p>Men seem to take on a “no fuss” lazy attitude as they age. At least I see it with my DH. He is so lazy, he doesn’t even bother to unbutton his dress shirts before undressing. His shirts end up in the laundry inside out and buttoned up. He also has a way of taking off his pants and his socks at the same time. His socks end up “attached” to the pant legs in the dirty laundry, if you can picture that.</p>
<p>If this was Facebook, I would “like” poetgirl’s post. If it’s happening often enough that the OP’s D is concerned, that should be reason to stop. Although, I don’t know any professional, educated men who wear their clothes inside out. Taking them OFF that way? Sure. I do it all the time. But WEARING? No.</p>
<p>I also agree with those who think it might be more neurological than a mental breakdown, and I would gently ask him why he is doing it.</p>
<p>My H would no more go out in public wearing something inside out than he would flap his arms and fly. If he did, even once, I would ask what’s wrong. If I were still with my ex, who IS less concerned with looks and IS absent-minded, I’d let it go maybe once or twice. Most people simply don’t dress this way and there are reasons behind someone who does.</p>
<p>Adding-we do our own laundry in our house. It saves all the questions like “Where is my…” and
“How do I wash…”</p>
<p>My h does the same. Just at home though. I think it’s a bit of rebellion for having to wear suits all the time.</p>