Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Phobias

My family likes to joke about my germ phobia. They laugh at the number of times I wash my hands and the fact that I won’t share drinks or food with anyone. It is all in fun, so I don’t mind. In reality though, I know I don’t really have a phobia, just a strong dislike of germs. If I had to share a drink with someone, I wouldn’t have a panic attack or hyperventilate. The same holds true with my “claustrophobia”. Do I like being in small spaces? Not a bit! Can I close my eyes and pretend I’m not “trapped”? Absolutely! My semi-phobias got me thinking about other people who suffer from actual phobias and how hard it must be to get thorough a day. Of course, with some phobias (like the fear of heights), the person can just avoid certain situations and go on with their day. Other phobias, unfortunately, can dictate a person’s entire life.


On Merriam-webster.com, I found a list of very unusual phobias. The first listed is Haphephobia. This is the fear of being touched. Can you imagine how different your life would be if you were afraid of physical contact? I can’t get through my day without hugs from my girls. They make me feel stronger and loved. I can’t imagine being afraid to touch them. The second listed was Doraphobia. This is one that can be avoided easily enough. It is the fear of touching animal fur. The third phobia is hard to imagine. It is called Eremophobia, the morbid fear of being alone. As most mothers know, the few minutes alone each day are like heaven. As much as we love our kids, we look forward to our moments of solitude. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to live with the feeling that I always needed someone around. Another unusual phobia is Hypnophobia. This is the fear of falling to sleep. This particular phobia could lead to many other issues that go along with insomnia and lack of sleep. I would be so sad to develop this phobia.  I love sleeping!!!!  To check out the entire list of unusual phobias, go to http://www.merriam-webster.com/top-ten-lists/be-very-afraid/haphephobia.html . What unusual phobias have you encountered in others? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

12 comments:

Lanita Moss said...

I would have thought doraphobia would be the abject fear of all things Dora the Explorer. I kind of suffer from that fear because Dora and her friends are on the TV all the time.

Tiffany said...

LOL, Doraphobia. I only have a fear of spiders and I am starting to have a fear of birds flying overhead. That really makes me uncomfortable. I almost start hyperventilating.

Tiffany
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.blogspot.com

Andrea said...

I am the same way, I am not a sharer of germs either:-)

CaneWife said...

It's really amazing how the human mind works.

But I do agree on the doraphobia. It's followed closely by elmophobia.

Linds said...

I really don't like snakes. and currently I am really scared of our pit bull neighbors, who snarl at our dog through the fence.

Hey, I tagged you in my last post-- be sure to check it out!

Kel said...

Lanita and Tiffany - I almost made a joke about the Dora thing in my post, but I wasn't sure if I was the only one who had Dora everywhere! :)

Messy Mommy said...

I have a snake phobia. Like SERIOUS phobia. My parents almost put me in therapy when I was little because it was so bad.

Mrs. Sanchez said...

Hey girl, found you via FF and am following.

Follow back at http://jotgiveaways.blogspot.com

I am glad no phobias have made themselves aware at our house. It is a very sad thing.

Anonymous said...

Very interesting!

Perhaps in 20 years Doraphobia will have a new meaning: Fear of ever having to watch Dora again! No, I do like her and Boots and Swiper.

Debbie said...

Those are fascinating. Reminds me of Monk:)

Rebecca said...

LOL I too hate germs. The fam makes jokes about it. We have hand sanitizer in every room. Mostly b/c of our newborn.

Jen R said...

I hate all the imaginary germs that I have to wash off my hands. I used to drive my husband nuts. I've gotten a lot better with it over the past few years.

BUT, I will NEVER like water. If I could live without water, I would. I hate it.

Wow, does that sound final enough?