Dear Mr. Biologist,
“Why do people pick their noses while driving? Do they think no one can see them? I am appalled. Sometimes when I get stuck in traffic and look around, I feel like I am at the zoo and the animals are feeding.”
-Stuck and Disgusted
Dear Stuck,
Your zoo analogy is quite appropriate. Nose picking is part of animal grooming and serves as a bonding behavior in groups. Those people sitting in the cars around you have subconsciously formed a temporary tribe while stuck in traffic and are reverting to bonding behavior. Why fight it? You might join them next time and see if you make a new friend.
–Mr. Biologist
