The route you learned in childhood can remain familiar after its reasons disappear.

Habits outlive their causes easily. You still take the long way because of a school, a shop or a person on that corner, none of which are there now, and the route feels right rather than chosen. Familiarity is a strong feeling that carries no information about whether something still makes sense. A great deal of ordinary life runs on directions given years ago.

Pick one routine you have never questioned and ask what it was originally for. If the reason has gone, try the other way once. Some routes are worth keeping anyway, though it is better to know which.