Think i ruined php the_category

I’m trying to use the <?php the_category() ?> tag but it isn’t working right for me.

What happens is, it double spaces, then lists the category, double spaces again, and then lists the rest of the information. I’m sure i’m putting it in the correct spot, because the time template and the author templates are both working perfectly.

I’m worried that I may have messed up the default properties for this tag a long time ago when I first got wordpress.

What do you think the problem is and how can I fix it?

Thanks.