Eli5: Why do people mix up left and right but not up and down?

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Eli5: Why do people mix up left and right but not up and down?

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17 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Unless in a zero-gravity environment, up and down are very obvious. Even if you do a handstand, you will probably still have the same reference for up and down. Down is where gravity pulls you, up is the opposite.

Left and right however are entirely dependent on your point of view. Turn around, and they swap direction. Face someone, and your left and their left are opposites. It varies significantly, and so is easier to get confused.

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