I hate germs. The word "germs" even gives me the chills sometimes. Everyone who knows me knows germs are one of my worst fears. But, germs are inevitable and sometimes, especially in college, it can be really hard to stay away from germs. Here are some struggles many germaphobes will understand.

1. Using public bathrooms is almost worse than getting sick.

Using a public bathroom is rare for you. But, when you do, you make sure to be extra careful about everything because you can only imagine how many germs must be everywhere.

2. You have hand sanitizer or wipes with you at ALL times.

After you touch a door, a desk in class, or pretty much anything else that you know someone else has touched, you whip out your hand sanitizer and pour it in your hands. Sometimes, especially when it's flu season, you wipe down your surroundings no matter how many dirty looks you get, you will continue to do it because germs are gross.

3. Washing your hands is one of your favorite activities.

Before eating, after going to class, and before and after you do anything, you wash your hands. Your hands even get really dry and start to crack. You always have to moisturize so your hands don't get to the point of bleeding.

4. Never sharing a drink or food with someone else, even if it is your best friend.

You want to share your food or drink with your friend but then you remember: So. Many. Germs.

5. Waiting in your doctor's waiting room when you aren't sick.

The worst thing ever is hearing everyone cough and sneeze in the waiting room of your doctor's office and you are just there for your annual check-up. Just thinking about all of the different illnesses and germs in that one room makes you want to cry.

6. Public transportation.

Public transportation gets you where you need to go, but you know it is truly disgusting. You never touch anything on the train, bus, plane or car, but when you do, you know you can always rely on your hand sanitizer because at the end of the day, it is always by your side.