There are a lot of things I “can’t” do (in theory) with one hand, like clap or tie knots.
I’d list more examples, but I actually have a hard time thinking of stuff I “can’t” do because I’ve adjusted to doing just about everything with one hand already.
There is something though that occasionally bugs me—I can’t scratch my right arm from about just below my shoulder and down.
It drives me insane anytime I have a bug bite or something irritating my right arm. I find creative alternatives like moving it up and down against something rough, but it’s just not the same as being able to dig my nails into the skin.
I recently had a bug bite on my bicep of my right arm, and it annoyed me for about a week of itchiness. I mostly resorted to using pant legs and car interior to ease the discomfort.
It’s a tiny detail in the grand scheme of things, but it is honestly one of the most frustrating things. It also causes problems with putting lotion on my right arm or clasping buttons on a sleeve if I already have the shirt on or wearing a watch or anything that requires tying or fastening in some way on my wrist.
My right hand can do a lot without a left hand supporting it, but some things are physically impossible.
Also along the same lines is clipping my nails. I use a special clipper to trim them, and I hate it. Being the person who adapted to everything else with one hand with no special equipment, I’m reluctant to keeping special clippers around. That being said, there have been times away from home that I’ve somehow managed to cut my nails with regular clippers. All I can tell you is it involves using my toes, and it isn’t easy.
I guess being one handed is just all about being creative and open minded. I use my left arm like a hand to spread lotion on my right arm, button sleeves of shirts prior to getting dressed and I never really wore watches or bracelets anyways, to be honest.
Lindsey Erdody 