[pfapfap]

Consistent habits are good, but so is comfort in a cardroom. You absolutely need to learn how to state your bet plainly and handle chips with ease (ps, I don't think anybody calls them checks/cheques anymore, much as I prefer that term). From what you've described, your consistent habits are sure to draw a lot of attention. By learning how to manage the tools of the game, you'll more blend into the crowd.

This isn't a minor error, this is the amount of your bet, something that is of absolute importance. It is not the dealer's job to guess how much you want to bet.

State your bet amount. Put out chips. Simple.