one or two?

do you put one or two spaces after a period? or question mark, obviously.

me? i'm a two spacer. not because i think it looks better or actually have an opinion on the subject. i do it because that is the way i was taught. yesterday i found out that i have been typing incorrectly my entire life. i'm actually forcing myself to only put one space as i type now and it is killing me. i type a period and then instantly, without though, hit the space bar twice...and then delete once.

am i the only one who is kind of freaking out? i know this isn't a major problem in the world today or on the forefront of the headlines or even on E! entertainment but it still bothers me. i think it is because i like habit and now my habit is wrong and i must change. change something that is so natural. i mean, this is killing me just typing this one little blog. one space. one space. i just keep reminding myself to only put one space.

do you think i'm crazy?!!???

either way, here is the link to the article:
http://www.slate.com/id/2281146/pagenum/all/#p2

long story short and my paraphrasing of this long article -

Who says two spaces is wrong? Typographers, that's who. The people who study and design the typewritten word decided long ago that we should use one space, not two, between sentences. Hundreds of years ago some typesetters would end sentences with a double space, others would use a single space, and a few renegades would use three or four spaces. Inconsistency reigned in all facets of written communication; there were few conventions regarding spelling, punctuation, character design, and ways to add emphasis to type. But as typesetting became more widespread, its practitioners began to adopt best practices. Felici writes that typesetters in Europe began to settle on a single space around the early 20^th century. America followed soon after.

so, see.  i'm wrong. i have been typing incorrectly. so, if you've been reading my blog and cringing, i'm sorry. i am going to try to put this nasty, little, bad habit behind me but i'm not going to lie. it will be hard. but i guess with the starting of a new year, it will be a good time to finally start typing correctly. i suppose this is another non-resolution for me. man, i'm making too many non-resolutions. the list is getting longer than i anticipated.

are you confused? will you continue to use two spaces now that you're aware that is is wrong? have i been hiding in a cave to not know this tidbit of information? i am telling you - i am in shock.  before i read this article i would have said two spaces with pride. good thing i've never had to have an intellectual conversation about it. but still this is a tough one to swallow.

dear second, unnecessary but wonderful space after punctuation,

i will miss you.

sincerely,
mrs. h