
It could be expired.
It could’ve been dropped on the floor.
It could’ve been opened and put back.
It could’ve been sitting there too long.
It could’ve been returned by someone else.
It could’ve been touched by too many people.
It could’ve been touched by someone who was unwell.
It could’ve been in other places in the shop and then reshelved.
Right?
It’s not unreasonable to prefer fresher or items that have been touched less, a lot of people do this. But if it becomes a strict rule that you can only ever do that, or if it causes significant distress, it could be a sign of anxiety, OCD tendencies, or fears about contamination.
The question to ask yourself is, can I take things from the front of the shelf if I really need to, or does it feel impossible?
If you'd like practical advice on facing these kinds of fears then see my book 📚Ten Times Calmer.
Information for general educational purposes only. Always see your own doctor for advice specific to your situation.