Another dumb question by me thermostats

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Ok I have a 1988 150 mercury out board and have to change the two thermostats that I did 100 times before my dumb question is this the thermostat on one side it goes in yo the block the other side fits into the hose housing it comes with a rubber seal/ gasket the seal is longer on one side ,does the longer side go towards the block or the hose housing I have been doing this for along time and ever time I do it I don't know if I'm putting the seal in right, I hope you can understand what I'm saying, I'm not even sure if it would make a differance Thanks for any reply I know it's not to important but I'm wondering how many are not sure like me thanks again