Why do people spit?

It sounds like you have developed a chronic habit that stems from your childhood. Habits form when a behavior becomes automatic through repetition and is linked with a particular setting or situation. In your case, you saw your cousin spitting -- a common symptom in pregnancy due to excess saliva production -- and you began to mimic the behavior. Over time, you have continued this habit, and it may now be an automatic response to certain situations, or possibly a coping method for stress or discomfort. However, if it's causing distress or impacting your social life, it may be worth trying to change this behavior. Here are a few steps to help you stop: 1. Understanding and Acknowledging the Habit: Recognize when and why you do it. Is it triggered by certain situations or feelings? Try to pay more attention to when you feel the urge to spit. 2. Substitution: Find something else to do when you feel the urge to spit. Chew gum, or keep a bottle of water handy as an alternative, to keep your mouth occupied. 3. Gradual Reduction: Try to reduce the frequency. Set goals for yourself that gradually decrease the number of times you spit a day. 4. Seek Professional Help: If you're finding it hard to break the cycle, you might want to consider seeking professional help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often helpful in dealing with habitual behaviors. A medical checkup could also rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the issue. Remember it's okay to seek help, and it may take time. Don't be too hard on yourself throughout the process.

Spitting is a habit that can have different causes. In some cases, it can be due to a medical condition like acid reflux, sinusitis or allergies, that causes excessive mucus buildup in the mouth that needs to be cleared. In others, it can be psychological or emotional, resulting from stress, anxiety, frustration or boredom. It's also possible that your childhood conditioning has unconsciously influenced your behavior, making spitting habitual, even when there is no actual need to clear your mouth. To stop this habit, it's important to first identify what triggers you to spit. If it's related to a medical issue, you may need to consult a dentist or physician for treatment. If it's something that has become habitual or habitualized, you can work to break the habit. Instead of spitting, try to swallow or use a tissue to wipe your mouth when you feel the need to clear it. You may also find it helpful to replace this habit with another behavior like chewing gum or drinking water. It’s important to be persistent in your efforts to change this habit, as it may take some time to break.