I never noticed this before, but whenever I buy a new shirt, like I did today from Goodwill, I go through this strange ritual. First, I gently remove the tags like vestigial umbilical cords, then I wash the shirt with my detergent and fabric softener so it has my scent, and finally, I put it on a new plastic hanger. Then, and only then, is it introduced to the other shirts in my closet.

I don’t know why I do this. Perhaps I’m trying to assimilate it into my wardrobe as opposed to just throwing it into the mix. I know how difficult it is to be the new guy on the team, and maybe it’s just my way of cushioning the transition.

It’s quite possible that I’m sensitive to a fault.

-Dylan