In message , Christian
McArdle writes
I am very irritated by this 'standard practice' particularly
in the kitchen, where I pick up the kettle in my right hand
and have to cross my left over it to fill it

You could always pick up the kettle with your left hand.

Why ? I am right handed, I naturally pick up a kettle / toothbrush /
whatever with my right hand

That way your right
hand to free to manipulate the taps and the lid, which requires greater
dexterity.

Hardly precision engineering - don't talk a load of wank

--
geoff