Some people can use the same handkerchief for months without ever misplacing it. Others seem to lose one every few weeks. They put it in a pocket, leave it on a chair, forget it in a taxi, or accidentally leave it on an office desk. Friends may joke that buying a handkerchief for them is a waste because it will disappear within days.
At first glance, this behavior may look like laziness or poor organization. Psychology suggests the explanation is often more complex.