Direction you face in the shower 'says a lot about your personality'

An expert has weighed in on the "correct" direction to face while showering after suggestions emerged that neurodivergent individuals tend to shower backwards. While it's probable you've never considered which way you face, it appears this choice could reveal something about your personality. That's according to TikTok user, Canadian Ginger, who maintains that those who wash themselves while looking away from the shower head are doing it "the right way". Her views rapidly gained traction, with the post going viral and accumulating 1.4 million views within six days - with numerous others contributing their own perspectives.

Responding to the post, one person asked: "I'm so confused... people face the shower head? Why? No way that's the normal way." Another agreed: "I was just saying this exact thing to my husband and he agrees that there is no way anyone showers facing the water. It could be because we are old and have back pain though." And a third TikTok user remarked: "I thought facing the shower head was only for characters in movies having drama moments." Others, conversely, expressed the opposite view, supporting the neurodivergent theory.

"I'm neurodivergent and I shower in front," one person explained. "I just put the shower head downwards so it faces my body and not my face." Likewise, a second individual commented: "I am neurodivergent and I face the shower head most of the time, just step far enough back and angled below my face. I step closer to exfoliate my face and turn around to wash my hair." While, a third person stated: " I stand with my face directly in the water! So relaxing." But are there correct and incorrect methods?

According to a scientist, the direction we choose to face is typically determined by how water splashing feels against our faces and bodies - and our individual tolerance for it. "A lot of it comes down to sensory preference and nervous system regulation," Dr Vincent Candrawinata told news.com.au . "The face is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, packed with nerve endings. Direct water hitting your face can feel overstimulating, especially if the pressure is high, the temperature is hot and you're already stressed or fatigued." Dr Candrawinata continued: "Facing away can feel more calming and controlled.

It reduces sensory input and gives a sense of relaxation, which is why many people instinctively turn their back when they want to unwind." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .