Do you have any unfounded fears?

[zoebartlett]

Elro -- I have the same issues with swimming in the ocean and jellyfish that you have. I LOVE the ocean but I don't actually swim in it. I play in the shallow parts because it's a little clearer. There was a story on my local news last week about a HUGE jellyfish (40-50 lbs) that stung 150 people at the beach. Its longest tentacle was 13 feet! Scared the sh** out of me.

 

[packrat]

haha Zoe, no problem glad to be of service! Winter/flu season always leaves me w/a little nagging thing in the back of my head wondering if we're going to get sick each year. I worry about food poisoning too.

Wasps/hornets, back in the day when I lived w/my parents, if you drove past our house at any point during the spring/summer, chances are you'd see me barreling thru the yard hell bent for election to get away from one. One time I got stung by 3 of them at once and ran screaming and bawling into the house (I was..let's see..27 I believe ) and mom was spraying stuff on the welts and I was sobbing and she's like "Do they still hurt really bad?" "No, kinda burns a little" "Then why are you still having a conniption?" Um..cuz that's what I DO.

Zoe, are you not familiar w/Pennywise? I was scared of clowns from the time I was little and one wouldn't leave me alone at the circus but..you check out Pennywise..I don't think he did the clown world any favors.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have always been afraid of being sent to jail for a crime I didn't commit. I don't know why. Ever since I was a kid.

 

[Callisto]

I am super logical and rational about almost all of my fears. For example, I do not like bugs, but I am able to recognize that I am not scared of them, they just tend to startle me. (I am an overly logical person though, so if you knew me this would make total sense to you.) HOWEVER, I am terrified of being alone at night or in the dark. I have never been attacked or anything, but I freak out. And it's not like I'm scared a burgler is going to break into the house or anything, I'm scared that something is going to grab my feet when I walk past the bed, or appear in a dark window.... so I don't even know what to say I'm scared of... ghosts? Monsters? I feel like an idiot even typing this out but it really affects me on a daily basis. When I was younger I was always afraid something was going to grab my ankles as I was walking up from our basement so I would always run up the stairs. I don't really watch horror movies, but it seems the few I have watched over the years have had quite the affect on me.

Callisto - this is ME TOO! Crazy, right? I'm even afraid that something is lurking in the toilet at night that is going to bite me or climb up me, so I have to turn the light on and make sure there's nothing in the toilet before I sit down. Talk about irrational!

BAHAHAHA! Oh man... I have the same fear but it's so outlandish I didn't even want to post it here. That's hilarious. Don't worry you are not alone is your crazy irrational fears of the toilet. We must have watched the same horror movies as children or something... though I don't know of any with monsters in the toilet.

 

[starryeyed]

I am super logical and rational about almost all of my fears. For example, I do not like bugs, but I am able to recognize that I am not scared of them, they just tend to startle me. (I am an overly logical person though, so if you knew me this would make total sense to you.) HOWEVER, I am terrified of being alone at night or in the dark. I have never been attacked or anything, but I freak out. And it's not like I'm scared a burgler is going to break into the house or anything, I'm scared that something is going to grab my feet when I walk past the bed, or appear in a dark window.... so I don't even know what to say I'm scared of... ghosts? Monsters? I feel like an idiot even typing this out but it really affects me on a daily basis. When I was younger I was always afraid something was going to grab my ankles as I was walking up from our basement so I would always run up the stairs. I don't really watch horror movies, but it seems the few I have watched over the years have had quite the affect on me.

Callisto - this is ME TOO! Crazy, right? I'm even afraid that something is lurking in the toilet at night that is going to bite me or climb up me, so I have to turn the light on and make sure there's nothing in the toilet before I sit down. Talk about irrational!

BAHAHAHA! Oh man... I have the same fear but it's so outlandish I didn't even want to post it here. That's hilarious. Don't worry you are not alone is your crazy irrational fears of the toilet. We must have watched the same horror movies as children or something... though I don't know of any with monsters in the toilet.

Silly, right? I don't know what I think could be in there - someone's baby alligator or pet snake that climbed through the plumbing? I guess that's what I tell myself, but I have the same feeling about toilets on septic systems. Go figure.

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

I am super logical and rational about almost all of my fears. For example, I do not like bugs, but I am able to recognize that I am not scared of them, they just tend to startle me. (I am an overly logical person though, so if you knew me this would make total sense to you.) HOWEVER, I am terrified of being alone at night or in the dark. I have never been attacked or anything, but I freak out. And it's not like I'm scared a burgler is going to break into the house or anything, I'm scared that something is going to grab my feet when I walk past the bed, or appear in a dark window.... so I don't even know what to say I'm scared of... ghosts? Monsters? I feel like an idiot even typing this out but it really affects me on a daily basis. When I was younger I was always afraid something was going to grab my ankles as I was walking up from our basement so I would always run up the stairs. I don't really watch horror movies, but it seems the few I have watched over the years have had quite the affect on me.

Callisto - this is ME TOO! Crazy, right? I'm even afraid that something is lurking in the toilet at night that is going to bite me or climb up me, so I have to turn the light on and make sure there's nothing in the toilet before I sit down. Talk about irrational!

I watched a news story as a child about a SNAKE that wound up in a family's toilet... and no, it wasn't their pet snake that escaped from a cage. Just a random, found-in-nature slithering snake. It took me months to get over that one

 

[elrohwen]

Zoe, I find it weird that I'm not also afraid of bees/wasps/hornets. I'm the person who will walk right up to one and shoo it away with my bare hands, no fear. I guess it's the intelligent being thing, like with sharks - I know that bees and wasps won't sting me without reason, so I'm not afraid (even though I realize they might decide shooing them is enough reason to sting me, I'm still not bothered). I hate the dumb floating unthinking jellyfish! And the fact that I can't see them underwater if my head is above water, so they can sneak up on me. Hard for a bee to sneak up on anybody. Gah, that huge jellyfish you mentioned freaked me out.

 

[Cehrabehra]

my biggest unfounded fear is discussing my fears. I can discuss the little ones, but anything I'm really afraid of I don't feel comfortable talking about - almost like bringing it to light will invite them to happen.

 

[jewelerman]

fear of fire ,fear of getting chemicals and rust on my hands,fear of coming home and finding my jewelry gone.

 

[kelpie]

I watched a news story as a child about a SNAKE that wound up in a family's toilet... and no, it wasn't their pet snake that escaped from a cage. Just a random, found-in-nature slithering snake. It took me months to get over that one

I really truly found a poisonous copperhead wrapped around my showerhead so it is a legit fear but not one that paralyzes me. They appear whenever my fiance goes away.

I also was driving home with my Dad somewhere to discover someone had stowed away in the backseat (I knew him). I ALWAYS check now.

I always have an escape plan. The one time I did not trust my gut, a stranger attacked me. This is like a Debbie Downer post but some fears seem unfounded yet are still something you should head but not obsess about.

I'm afraid of cotton in my mouth, needles in my veins, having the backs of my knees slashed, death and/or meeting a violent end, and most paralyzing- the end of humanity.

 

[jas]

As a child, I had recurring nightmares about being trapped in a skyscraper that was on fire and the building started collapsing around me. In the dream I could feel the heat, hear the screams, feel my skin getting warm, taste and smell the smoke. After 9/11, I had terrible nightmares again.

I also am terrified of frogs. We now live on a branch of the Chicago river and they're around.

My family and friends know I'm scared of frogs, and for some reason they find it funny to say stuff like, "Well, you know that the boys will just put one in their jean pocket one day, forget it's there, and you'll find it while doing the laundry." Yeah. Hilarious.

 

[Beacon]

I don't know if it is "unfounded" but I have a fear of people's germs. For example if I go to starbucks I will never touch those milk carafes with my hands, I will always put a napkin on the handle and hold it like that. Plus I will pour off the first bit of milk that comes out into the trash, cause lots of bacteria can live on the edge of that milk carafe while it is sitting out there. People look at me funny! One person asked, but once I explained my behavior they said it was a good idea.

I am like that a lot. If someone sneezes in front of me I am really unhappy and if I am in a store where someone is sneezing or coughing I will immediately head the opposite way!

 

[diamondbuggy]

I have a lot of fears. I actually feel stupid typing them out.

Looking into a mirror in the dark. Not sure what I'll see there but it freaks me out. It's like someone's watching me.

Revolving doors. I know one day I'll get crushed because I won't be fast enough.

Spiders. Even pictures of them. I'm terrified that it will jump out of the picture and attack me. I know, I have issues.

Getting hit by a car. I hate crossing roads and walking through parking lots.

Animals with human characteristics. Ever read 'Animal Farm'? When the pigs stand up on 2 legs and start walking around like humans. I've never been so scared in my whole life. There's a car advert on TV these days with a talking dog, it even has human teeth. Freaky.

Clowns. The movie IT totally ruined clowns for me and for many people I know.

I think I should start seeing a therapist. I have too many issues!

 

[megumic]

worms. it's ridiculous. the innocent thing could never harm me.

 

[TooPatient]

Unfounded? no... well.... maybe.

I am very scared of someone breaking into the house, carjacking, mugging, assault, rape.....
Being outside (especially alone) when it is dark (mostly because of the first fear)
Seeing outside when it is dark (again, see first fear)

Driving next to dumptrucks (any large truck but especially dumptrucks)
Having a dump truck drive by me.
Driving in front of a dump truck.
Driving behind a dump truck.
Being within sight of a dump truck.

Spiders, bees.... really any creepy crawly thing.
(we have quarterly treatments inside and outside and they come back in between if I need them to spray again --- and all organic and safe for my pets!)

The dump truck fear comes from a bad event in my life so is not unfounded. It is rather severe, but certainly justified (at least to some extent). I have been to a good psychologist for this one and am better than I had been, but it is what it is and will probably never go away.

The first fear I am dealing with. We have a security system at home (door/window alarms, motion detectors, fully monitored), wooden dowels to block each window & sliding door, high quality locks, and handguns (with special ammunition so it can't hurt any of the neighbors) that we've both been trained to use (along with weekly -- or better -- practice). I've also got my concealed carry permit. We have outdoor lighting but are replacing what is there with motion detecting lights for all exterior doors (including garage doors) and gates into the yard. We'll be taking additional courses to stay current and expand our handgun skills including a hand-to-hand combat course. I've got a mini flashlight on my keys so I can see and carry a cell phone any time I'm out of the house. We also have plans to reinforce the hardware on the front door so it is secured deeper into solid wood. I'd also like to add another motion detecting sensor and a glass break alarm to our monitored alarm system. There is an internal door that will be replaced with a solid core wood door with heavier lock (the closet with alarm systems and internet & phone connections)
Oh... the alarm has a battery back up in event of power failure as do our internet, computers, and telephone connections.
I've got a holster ordered so that I can carry my full size semi-auto pistol at all times while home (in case someone tries to force their way into the house or attempts to get in through a screendoor while we are using the barbeque).


I don't like being afraid. I'm far happier taking precautions so that I feel safer so that I don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to stop living my life and let my fears beat me. I will be prepared.

 

[rockzilla]

Unfounded? no... well.... maybe.

I am very scared of someone breaking into the house, carjacking, mugging, assault, rape.....
Being outside (especially alone) when it is dark (mostly because of the first fear)
Seeing outside when it is dark (again, see first fear)

Driving next to dumptrucks (any large truck but especially dumptrucks)
Having a dump truck drive by me.
Driving in front of a dump truck.
Driving behind a dump truck.
Being within sight of a dump truck.

Spiders, bees.... really any creepy crawly thing.
(we have quarterly treatments inside and outside and they come back in between if I need them to spray again --- and all organic and safe for my pets!)

The dump truck fear comes from a bad event in my life so is not unfounded. It is rather severe, but certainly justified (at least to some extent). I have been to a good psychologist for this one and am better than I had been, but it is what it is and will probably never go away.

The first fear I am dealing with. We have a security system at home (door/window alarms, motion detectors, fully monitored), wooden dowels to block each window & sliding door, high quality locks, and handguns (with special ammunition so it can't hurt any of the neighbors) that we've both been trained to use (along with weekly -- or better -- practice). I've also got my concealed carry permit. We have outdoor lighting but are replacing what is there with motion detecting lights for all exterior doors (including garage doors) and gates into the yard. We'll be taking additional courses to stay current and expand our handgun skills including a hand-to-hand combat course. I've got a mini flashlight on my keys so I can see and carry a cell phone any time I'm out of the house. We also have plans to reinforce the hardware on the front door so it is secured deeper into solid wood. I'd also like to add another motion detecting sensor and a glass break alarm to our monitored alarm system. There is an internal door that will be replaced with a solid core wood door with heavier lock (the closet with alarm systems and internet & phone connections)
Oh... the alarm has a battery back up in event of power failure as do our internet, computers, and telephone connections.
I've got a holster ordered so that I can carry my full size semi-auto pistol at all times while home (in case someone tries to force their way into the house or attempts to get in through a screendoor while we are using the barbeque).


I don't like being afraid. I'm far happier taking precautions so that I feel safer so that I don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to stop living my life and let my fears beat me. I will be prepared.

Ummm, forgive me for asking this, but where do you live? That you feel the need to carry a handgun around your house?

Or is this just a joke I am not getting?

 

[TooPatient]

Unfounded? no... well.... maybe.

I am very scared of someone breaking into the house, carjacking, mugging, assault, rape.....
Being outside (especially alone) when it is dark (mostly because of the first fear)
Seeing outside when it is dark (again, see first fear)

Driving next to dumptrucks (any large truck but especially dumptrucks)
Having a dump truck drive by me.
Driving in front of a dump truck.
Driving behind a dump truck.
Being within sight of a dump truck.

Spiders, bees.... really any creepy crawly thing.
(we have quarterly treatments inside and outside and they come back in between if I need them to spray again --- and all organic and safe for my pets!)

The dump truck fear comes from a bad event in my life so is not unfounded. It is rather severe, but certainly justified (at least to some extent). I have been to a good psychologist for this one and am better than I had been, but it is what it is and will probably never go away.

The first fear I am dealing with. We have a security system at home (door/window alarms, motion detectors, fully monitored), wooden dowels to block each window & sliding door, high quality locks, and handguns (with special ammunition so it can't hurt any of the neighbors) that we've both been trained to use (along with weekly -- or better -- practice). I've also got my concealed carry permit. We have outdoor lighting but are replacing what is there with motion detecting lights for all exterior doors (including garage doors) and gates into the yard. We'll be taking additional courses to stay current and expand our handgun skills including a hand-to-hand combat course. I've got a mini flashlight on my keys so I can see and carry a cell phone any time I'm out of the house. We also have plans to reinforce the hardware on the front door so it is secured deeper into solid wood. I'd also like to add another motion detecting sensor and a glass break alarm to our monitored alarm system. There is an internal door that will be replaced with a solid core wood door with heavier lock (the closet with alarm systems and internet & phone connections)
Oh... the alarm has a battery back up in event of power failure as do our internet, computers, and telephone connections.
I've got a holster ordered so that I can carry my full size semi-auto pistol at all times while home (in case someone tries to force their way into the house or attempts to get in through a screendoor while we are using the barbeque).


I don't like being afraid. I'm far happier taking precautions so that I feel safer so that I don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to stop living my life and let my fears beat me. I will be prepared.

Ummm, forgive me for asking this, but where do you live? That you feel the need to carry a handgun around your house?

Or is this just a joke I am not getting?

Sorry for the delay in answer, I just saw your post.

No joke. I live in a nice little city near Bellevue in a pretty nice neighborhood where kids still run around cul-de-sacs, some neighbors are home during the day, and people have been known to leave garage doors open all night.

It is, esentially, an ideal neighborhood to break into --- people who aren't "rich" so very few have security systems (we're the only ones in our little neighborhood), have enough money to have stuff (computers, power tools, tv, jewelry, etc), and feel safe (so leave doors open).
I also saw a series of articles written by a retired police officer (I wish I had saved them so I could post them here -- I'll have to see if I can find them again) stating statistics about crime, what criminals look for when breaking in, precautions to take to protect yourself, and more. It was interesting to see that home invasions have increased (and he thinks will continue to increase) as technology has improved (better locks, monitered security systems, etc). In home invasions the home owners are home and the criminal walks in an open door or knocks on the door and when the person answers the crimanal forces their way inside.
There have been plenty of these on the news (so far none in our neighborhood, but that is just so far).

Plus there was the shooting (gangs came together for a picnic) at the state park just a few miles down the road from us.

I've had a chance to hear about arrests for burglary and drug related crimes (a surprising number in our city) while at work. (my boss's daughter has also played a role in this decision)


I suppose I'm a bit more sensitive to this since I lived in a couple of areas that had problems with peeping toms, burglary (including my family's house -- twice), drug activity, rape, and murder (including a friend in HS and a woman less than 1/4 mile down the street).


We get a fair number of people going door-to-door in our neighborhood (salesmen, politicians, people doing surveys (including one man who tried to peak into the house through the door who admitted to being a recovering drug addict -- he'd "been clean for 6 weeks..."), and random handyman type services) and I've had a couple of scary experiences (including a Hispanic man selling steaks from the back of his pickup truck who stood outside our house swearing at me and calling me names (after I had gone inside) because I didn't want to buy steak from him) that really showed me that IF someone came to the door and tried to force their way in, I'd have no way to stop them or be able to protect myself. Having a handgun locked in the bedroom is good at night while sleeping but won't be any help if I'm in the living room with a gun pointed at me.


I figured feeling secure (even if it means wearing a holster -- proper holsters have locking guards so no one can grab them and they won't fall out -- at all times even at home) was a lot more productive than closing the blinds, having a phone in my hands at all times, jumping at the slightest noise, and huddling on the couch thinking about "what if".