# What are you deathly afraid of? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 18, 2001, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167 "2001-10-18T06:04:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Nichol\_storm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Nichol\_storm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nichol_storm)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/41 "2001-10-19T01:42:08Z")
Leeches and ticks. Actually most anything parasitic, I’m just disgusted beyond words by them. One summer, I was prancing through the house in a cute little backless dress, and my brother reached over and plucked a tick the size of my thumbnail off my shoulder. I didn’t even know it was on me. Ever since then I’ve had the overwhelming hate of them. No mercy to the lil’ fuckers! Cranky, I know exactly what you’re talking about. I was holding my little infant cousin in my arms once, and trying to walk upstairs at the same time. I went excrutionatingly slowly, because I was convinced I’d trip and we go falling down the stairs, and I’d land on her and crush the life out of the poor little thing. ☹ .:Nichol:. ---
**Author:** ![vandal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/858c86/32.png) [@vandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vandal)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/42 "2001-10-19T04:23:59Z")
Being left alone. ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/43 "2001-10-19T04:28:14Z")
People. ---
**Author:** ![Shera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Shera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shera)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/44 "2001-10-19T04:51:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nichol\_storm \* > \*\* > > Cranky, I know exactly what you’re talking about. I was holding my little infant cousin in my arms once, and trying to walk upstairs at the same time. I went excrutionatingly slowly, because I was convinced I’d trip and we go falling down the stairs, and I’d land on her and crush the life out of the poor little thing. ☹ > > .:Nichol:. \*\* I actually dropped my neighbor down about 20 stairs once. I was ten and she was two. I was completely horrified and completely sure that her parents were going KILL me. But in the end, she got up giggling and it was all okay. The thing is, it was and outdoor staircase(leading up to their back deck) and she landed on their cement driveway. I’m still not sure how she managed to come away with no injury. Maybe it was because she was young and bendy. It had to be at least the second scariest thing that ever happened to me. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/45 "2001-10-19T05:01:27Z")
Especially those really ghastly graphic ones. I am extremely uncomfortable around them, and have been known to avoid places that have them… such as the front room in a friend’s aunt’s house. They completely unnerve me because, for some reason, I start to automatically empathize with it, and all the pain connotations attatched to it. I must’ve been crucified in a past life or something… ---
**Author:** ![Shadowfox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Shadowfox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadowfox)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/46 "2001-10-19T05:22:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nichol\_storm \* > \*\*Cranky, I know exactly what you’re talking about. I was holding my little infant cousin in my arms once, and trying to walk upstairs at the same time. I went excrutionatingly slowly, because I was convinced I’d trip and we go falling down the stairs, and I’d land on her and crush the life out of the poor little thing. ☹ > > .:Nichol:. \*\* Something exactly like this happened to me once. When my second son was only two weeks old, I was walking down a flight of steps when I suddenly lost my balance and him and I rolled down the rest of the steps. I managed to hold on to him unless I hit the bottom of the stairs, then I lost my grip on him and he fell right out of my arms and landed on his back from about a one foot drop. I remember laying there, staring at my son, for about two seconds thinking “OHMYGODIKILLEDHIM!”, then he let out a blood-curdling wail which attracted the attention of just about everybody in the building. They all came running out to help us. One of my neighbors called an ambulance and we were taken to the hospital. The whole time, I kept on saying “he is okay?”. Turns out he was perfectly fine. They x-rayed him from head and toe and found nothing wrong with him except for a small bump on the back of his head. I, on the other hand, broke my ankle. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/47 "2001-10-19T06:18:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weedeater \* > I disagree. If you can HONESTLY tell me you can get on an aircraft, as described above, in total comfort, then you’re among the few. The question was asked, and responded to honestly. \*\* Guess I’m one of the few. I was in Barcelona on the 11th, and I have never felt more secure than on that trip home about a week later. They pulled a guy out of line for having cuticle scissors in his carry-on. Weren’t any terrorists getting on that plane, let me tell you. Although the passengers did cheer when we landed, so maybe it was just me. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/48 "2001-10-19T12:43:05Z")
Falling - but not heights. If I’m somewhere where I can get a good grip on something substantial, I just enjoy the view. But the thought of _falling_…gives me the willies. ---
**Author:** ![Anubis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@Anubis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anubis)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/49 "2001-10-19T12:48:27Z")
Tornados. I think its because of _The Wizard of Oz_. I _ **NEVER** _ want to go to Oz. The Tinman and the Cowardly Lion are freaky. ---
**Author:** ![miamouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@miamouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miamouse)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/50 "2001-10-19T13:54:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zyada \* > \*\*Rape - I would rather die than be raped, and if someone ever tries to rape me I will do my very best to kill them first. > > And while this seems like a realistic thing to fear, it does affect my life, and probably has influenced some decisions I have made. > > And Euty? {{{Euty}}} \*\* I have to say ditto that. So scared I was afraid to say it out loud for fear of bringing it about. ---
**Author:** ![arachnidlove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@arachnidlove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/arachnidlove)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/51 "2001-10-19T14:15:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* Being afraid of Arabs is funny. How about being afraid of terrorists? \*\* I’m glad my fear (and others who have expressed the same) is funny to you. See, I’d love to just be able to be afraid of terrorists. But those terrorists lived with us. Had BBQs for their neighbors. Worked out in the gym down the street from my mom’s house. They patted their neighbors on the back, and then turned around and murdered them. So as much as I’d love to just be afraid of terrorists, unfortunately they don’t wear a sign identifying them as such. It’s only been a month since the attacks. Anthrax is a threat. Other attacks have been pronounced “imminent.” So forgive me if I’m feeling a little raw on this subject. Sheri \*\* [/QUOTE] ::sigh:: :rolleyes: Funny as in peculiar. NOT HA HA HA! But it seems the terrorist got to you. I know its a scary thing. But death comes to us all. I’m sorry that I have a better handle on it than most people. You live your life in terror, just the way the terrorists wanted us to. But alas, I made a stupid connection to the WTC attack and now I’ve got someone on my back. I did not mean to piss anyone off. So it goes… ---
**Author:** ![LiquidLobotomy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/898d66/32.png) [@LiquidLobotomy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiquidLobotomy)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/52 "2001-10-19T15:34:33Z")
I would have to say that clowns top my list. Think about it. A grown adult applying goofy make up in order to trick kids into believing that he/she is some sort of friendly entity. Think about it. A gigantic fake red smile is painted over existing lips. Lips that very often do not have a smile on them. Clowns are an abomination from hell. What are they even derived from? I am firmly convinced that clowns closely represent what Satan would look like if he took human form. My feelings are not unique either! The enlightened also hate clowns. Check out [http://www.clownz.com](http://www.clownz.com) (I am not affiliated with the site in any way save for the fact that I share their hatred of the foul vermin.) ---
**Author:** ![Shera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Shera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shera)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2001, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/53 "2001-10-19T17:23:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anubis \* > \*\*Tornados. I think its because of _The Wizard of Oz_. I _ **NEVER** _ want to go to Oz. The Tinman and the Cowardly Lion are freaky. \*\* Oh yeah! Someone else who is afraid of tornaos. I am not alone! Hmmm maybe it was _The Wizard of Oz_ that did it for me too. All I kno is I have been scared of them since I was a ittle kid. I bet that was it. I always felt bad for the Wicked Witch of the West. If you are afraid of being raped, I highly recommend that you take a self defense class. Seriously, after taking one of those you’re like, “Bring it on evil rapists.” I almost wanted someone to attack me just so I could kick there arse. But that might have just been me.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DarkWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee59a6/32.png) [@DarkWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarkWriter)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2001, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/54 "2001-10-20T01:15:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by arachnidlove \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*\* Being afraid of Arabs is funny. How about being afraid of terrorists? \*\* > > ::sigh:: :rolleyes: Funny as in peculiar. NOT HA HA HA! > But it seems the terrorist got to you. I know its a scary thing. But death comes to us all. I’m sorry that I have a better handle on it than most people. You live your life in terror, just the way the terrorists wanted us to. But alas, I made a stupid connection to the WTC attack and now I’ve got someone on my back. I did not mean to piss anyone off. So it goes… \*\* Your sighing and rolling eyes at me is extremely patronizing. Knock it off. How was I supposed to know you meant funny-peculiar? Where did you get the idea that I live my life in terror? All I said was that I wouldn’t want to get on a plane with Middle-Eastern men right now. I don’t sit in my basement crying, surrounded by candles and non-perishable foods. I’m living my life the way I did before 9/11, except that I’m prone to moments of sadness, anxiety and fear now and again. As are many Americans. I’m not on your back. Yeah, you pissed me off. And this post didn’t help matters with its whiny, condescending tone. So what. It’s just a discussion on a message board. Sheri ---
**Author:** ![Violet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ebca7d/32.png) [@Violet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Violet)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2001, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/55 "2001-10-20T04:30:19Z")
Self-righteous people scare me. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Mudshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Mudshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mudshark)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2001, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/56 "2001-10-20T07:41:56Z")
Snakes Barf Clowns Barney ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2001, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/57 "2001-10-20T13:59:33Z")
I am afraid of the Perfume Nazi Sales Ladies at any cosmetic counter. My aunt just confessed to me that she is terrified of going through drive through car washes. (One broke down on her once a long time ago when she was in the middle of it and…well…you can guess the rest.) ---
**Author:** ![Creaky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e68b1a/32.png) [@Creaky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Creaky)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2001, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/58 "2001-10-20T17:13:10Z")
Actually, I’m quite honestly with the posters who are afraid of demonic possession. I’m terrified of that. (Of course, on a lighter note, some may say with me, who could really tell? :D) ---
**Author:** ![ozonebaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/eb8c5e/32.png) [@ozonebaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozonebaby)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2001, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/59 "2001-11-24T20:10:10Z")
Micheal Jackson and little people. I would say the voices in my head but they’re my friends. . .my best friends I might add. ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2001, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167/60 "2001-11-24T20:23:31Z")
We’re also in your monitor, **ozonebaby**. Hahahahahahahahaha!!! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-deathly-afraid-of/88167.md?page=4)