using a double dash

[Rod]

When I try to double dash for a single dash ("example--again") and finish the
second word, the two words scrunch together and the dash runs over the "e"
and "a". This is new, apparently I messed up a setting, but can't find it.

 

[Chuck Davis]

I hold down the Alt key, and then on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on) enter
0151

 

[Jay Freedman]

When I try to double dash for a single dash ("example--again") and
finish the second word, the two words scrunch together and the dash
runs over the "e" and "a". This is new, apparently I messed up a
setting, but can't find it.

The setting is in Tools > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type,
"Hyphens with dash". If you don't want it, uncheck it.

See http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Formatting/TameAutoFormat.htm for more.