My family believe I am weird. While some of you might not find that conclusion incredibly surprising, I do not feel the primary cause of this decision warrants such a label.

I am fully aware that over the years I have developed some, let’s say … idiosyncrasies. I wouldn’t necessarily believe they are any worse than some others may possess but I am aware that they may be considered quirky.

There are certain things that make me feel unsettled if they aren’t the way that I like them. When I adjust the volume on the tv or stereo I like it to be set to an even number. I also like my run stats to finish in multiples of 5 (unless, of course, I can’t take another step!!)

A few of our light switches have multiple outlets for operating the one light and I like them to be set a particular way. I will turn one switch on and the other off if I find them not set the way I like them.

When I make the bed with fresh sheets, the top sheet has a right and wrong way around for me. (The seam needs to be laying so that I am sandwiched by the right sides of the sheets).

I use two towels after every shower, one for my hair, one for my body, and I place them back on the towel rack in a certain way so that their use is rotated every day.

I cannot wear clashing clothing items. A Mickey Mouse shirt can’t be coupled with Bugs Bunny socks, or my London jacket with my Venice t-shirt.

I have particular mugs that I use for specific drinks or days. I use my Wonder Woman mug for my green tea each Saturday morning and my Kensington Palace teacup for Sunday mornings.

If there is homemade soup in the house I LOVE to eat it for breakfast.

None of these things, however, has earned me the title of ‘weird’ by my whole family. That privilege belongs to the fact that I choose to eat pizza with a knife and fork.

Each and every time we enjoy this particular delicacy someone is bound to mention the fact that I am the only one using cutlery to consume each pizza slice. On one occasion my children were asking my Mum as to how this trait began and she replied that she had no idea how I started this ridiculous behaviour, but that she was definitely not to blame.

Some of you might agree with my family members as to their assessment of my ‘weirdness’. Some may believe I should be sectioned by such an atrocity. I recently asked my youngest why this particular practice was such an offense and he went on to explain that pizza is a finger food. I don’t eat party pies with cutlery so why pizza?

Can I explain when this started? It feels like something I’ve always done. Can I explain why I do it? I like how it slows down my consumption of each slice and how my fingers remain grease-free, but I don’t believe either of these things were the motivation to begin this practice.

The apostle Paul writes about the choices we make and the potential impact on others. We need to consider if our behaviour has a detrimental effect on those around us.

Romans chapter 14 verse 13 says, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

He doesn’t literally mean your brother or sister, but people you have a connection to, like family, social connections, church associates. Our choices can have an impact on others and we need to take that possibility seriously. We are not always sure of who is watching what we are doing and the influence we bring.

So despite knowing my pizza eating practice annoys my family I am so assured of their continuing love and adoration for me I do not feel the necessity to bow to pressure and leave the cutlery in the drawer when pizza is on our menu. They accept that this is who I am, and that’s okay.

If, however, it was a serious problem for my family then I would have a choice to make. Do I change my behaviour to suit their preferences or continue to act in ways that make them uncomfortable? It depends on my desire to keep in a positive relationship with them. I am fairly confident that I would choose family … unless they also want me to set the tv volume to 17!

Be blessed.