Only about 10% of the population is left-handed, so it’s only natural that we live in a right-handed world.
Most of the time, it doesn’t make much difference. In fact, think of the people in your life — do you even know what hand they write with? Chances are, not really. That being said, left-handed people know better than everyone else that it’s the little things that can be the most annoying, and these struggles are some of the most frustrating.
1. Using scissors is unnecessarily difficult.
Most scissors are designed for right-handed users, making them awkward or downright painful for left-handed people to use. The blades don’t align properly when held in the left hand, forcing the user to twist their wrist uncomfortably to get a clean cut. It’s a small thing that most right-handed people never even notice, but it can make simple tasks like cutting paper or fabric frustrating. The struggle goes beyond just discomfort; it’s about how tools assume everyone fits a single mould. Left-handed people often have to look for specialised scissors, which aren’t always easy to find or affordable. It’s a perfect example of how everyday objects can unintentionally exclude a whole group of people, turning mundane activities into a hassle.
2. Writing smudges become a constant battle.
For left-handed writers, smudging ink or graphite across the page is practically unavoidable. While right-handed people naturally write away from what they’ve already written, lefties often drag their hand across fresh lines of text. This leads to messy smudges on both the paper and the side of their hand, making writing tasks feel unnecessarily messy.What’s worse, it can make handwriting look sloppy, no matter how neat someone tries to be. In schools, left-handed kids might even be unfairly criticised for this, despite it being out of their control. It’s a subtle but constant reminder of how the world isn’t built with left-handed users in mind, even in something as basic as putting pen to paper.
3. Desks in schools are a nightmare.
Those small, attached desks in classrooms? They’re almost always designed with right-handed people in mind. The writing surface is positioned on the right side, leaving left-handed students awkwardly contorting themselves to find a comfortable writing angle. It’s not just uncomfortable; it can lead to physical strain over time. Beyond the discomfort, these desks can make left-handed students feel like an afterthought. While other students sit naturally and focus on their work, lefties are stuck figuring out how to adapt to a setup that doesn’t work for them. It’s a frustrating experience that highlights how something as simple as a desk design can create unnecessary obstacles.
4. Can openers aren’t so straightforward.
Operating a manual can opener might seem simple, but for left-handed people, it’s another story. Most models are designed to be turned with the right hand, which can make the process awkward and inefficient. Lefties often have to twist themselves into uncomfortable positions or use their non-dominant hand, which isn’t ideal. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a reminder of how even small tools are tailored for the majority. Finding a left-handed can opener can be tricky, leaving many lefties to make do with tools that don’t work as well for them. It’s a small but constant reminder of how the world caters to right-handed users.
5. Spiral notebooks and binders cause constant irritation.
Spiral notebooks and three-ring binders are a classic left-handed nightmare. The rings sit right where their hand needs to be, making it uncomfortable to write without resting their arm on the hard metal spirals. It can lead to everything from cramped fingers to plain frustration during long writing sessions. These design issues make school and work a little harder for left-handed users. Even flipping through pages becomes more complicated, as the rings always seem to get in the way. While there are left-handed notebooks available, they’re not as common, leaving most lefties to put up with the discomfort or go out of their way to find alternatives.
6. Sports equipment isn’t always lefty-friendly.
Source: Unsplash Many sports involve equipment designed specifically for right-handed players. From baseball gloves to golf clubs, left-handed athletes often have fewer options and have to hunt for the right gear. In some cases, they’re even encouraged to switch to their non-dominant side, which can put them at a disadvantage. Being left-handed in sports doesn’t just mean dealing with limited options — it also means adapting to a system that wasn’t made for you. It can impact how players develop their skills, as they’re forced to adjust to equipment or techniques that don’t feel natural. It’s another area where lefties face challenges most people never consider.
7. Kitchen tools can feel awkward to use.
From measuring cups to kitchen knives, many tools in the kitchen are designed with right-handed people in mind. Handles and grips often favour the right hand, making them less effective or comfortable for left-handed cooks. Even something as simple as pouring from a spouted measuring cup can feel backwards. These design choices can make cooking less enjoyable or efficient for left-handed people. While specialised left-handed tools exist, they’re not always easy to find or affordable. It’s yet another space where lefties have to work harder to adapt to tools that weren’t made with them in mind.
8. Video game controllers aren’t symmetrical.
Video game controllers might look evenly designed at first glance, but they’re often better suited for right-handed players. Button layouts and joystick positions tend to favour the dominant right hand for key actions. It can make gaming feel less intuitive for left-handed players, especially in fast-paced games. While many left-handed gamers adapt over time, it’s still a reminder of how even recreational activities can have hidden barriers. Customisable controllers or settings can help, but not all games or consoles offer those options. It’s another example of how left-handed people often have to adjust to fit into a right-handed world.
9. Tools and machinery aren’t lefty-friendly.
Power tools and even basic hand tools like hammers are often made with right-handed users in mind. Handles, buttons, and grips are all designed to be most comfortable for the right hand. Left-handed people often have to contort themselves to use these tools, which can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. These challenges extend to larger machinery, too, where controls and layouts are designed for right-handed operation. Left-handed people in trades or manual jobs face an added layer of difficulty, often needing to adjust their techniques or find left-handed alternatives, which aren’t always available.
10. Watches and wearable tech are awkwardly placed.
Traditional wristwatches and modern wearables like smartwatches are usually designed to be worn on the left wrist, assuming the dominant hand is the right one. For left-handed people, this setup can feel awkward, especially when adjusting controls or checking the time. Lefties often wear their watch on the opposite wrist, which isn’t always as intuitive or comfortable. While left-handed watches exist, they’re far less common, leaving many people to adapt to designs that weren’t made with them in mind. It’s a subtle but daily reminder of how even small things can add up.
