I hate numbers -- always have, always will.
Math class was never my cup of tea and tipping a waitress properly still perplexes me.
I've even found myself at age 24 asking my roommate to organize our bills, because I hate numbers THAT MUCH.
So if you're anything like me, you'll be thrilled to discover there's finally an explanation as to why we're so awful at basic arithmetic -- and it's not our fault!
According to an article written by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center and Stanford University, people who struggle with math may have a disability similar to dyslexia.
The main difference between the two is you're confusing numbers instead of words, science says.
The disability is reportedly linked to the procedural and declarative memories of your brain.
Say WHAT?
Once you learn how to do something at a young age, whether it be walking or talking, you use your declarative memory to recall how to complete the task, until it's stored in your procedural memory.
The issue arises for some people when their procedural memory isn't working the way it should be, which makes it harder to effortlessly process information -- like numbers.
Michael T. Ullman, professor of neuroscience at Georgetown, explained the disability in more detail. He said,
Given that the development of math skills involves their automatisation, it makes sense that the dysfunction of procedural memory could lead to math disability.
PHEW. That's a relief.
Next time you're doubting your math skills, know you aren't alone in this cruel, cruel number-filled world.
