How is it that socks never seem to stay paired for life, but that a solitary sock always appears? 
There are really two mysteries here. First, “Why do socks disappear?”, and secondly “Why do pairs of socks not disappear together?”.
To explain the second mystery, a little probability theory helps. Take two pairs of socks, a red pair and a blue pair. Blindfolded, pick two socks. If you pick one blue sock, the odds are the other sock you choose will be red. Two to one.
Most of us have more than two pairs of socks. The chances of a random pairing of socks of a different stripe gets bigger and bigger with each visit to the sock emporium. So socks have a tendency to de-couple. (This rule does not apply to sad people all of whose socks are identical, or to dissolute people who pride themselves on wearing odd socks).
There is a further psychological ingredient. If two matching socks went AWOL together, you might not notice that you are missing them. Unless they are emblazoned with pictures of dancing hippos or are dayglo pink. The only socks you are actually aware have gone astray are generally those that leave behind a lonesome singleton. Most socks tend to go astray during the activity called washing. Singleton socks are not generally put in the wash at all, so the separation process moves on to another complete pair. This is technically called “entropy”.
Now, Clairvoyant Catrina says there is more to life than mere probability and chance, and anyway, how do socks just disappear in the first place? How else can something as substantial as a sock vanish in an enclosed washing machine or tumble drier? The operative process is known scientifically as “stealing”. The socks that disappear are pilfered, with malice aforethought. The perpetrator is the Sock Fairy. The Sock Fairy is distantly related to the Tooth Fairy, but is unfortunately a kleptomaniac. And she is also one of those dissolute people who prefers socks that don’t match.
Clairvoyant Catrina Explains.... is an occasional series in which the Mystic Mog unravels Life's Big Questions. If you have a Big Question you think needs answering, please email clairvoyantcatrina@donowdo.com
Jenifer Smith From South Petherton has her own theory, and has written to Clairvoyant Catrina. Socks, like all twins, are always striving for individuality, and it is this which makes them part whenever they have the opportunity.
N.B. Clairvoyant Catrina does not necessarily agree with comments communicated to her by readers. Mostly people write rubbish in her experience.
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