Phobias. We’re all scared of something, whether it be rational or irrational. And with Halloween right around the corner, you may have to confront some of those fears in the form of decorations and/or costumes. Or you could be mean and make others confront them by wearing t-shirts of some of the most feared things in the world.
I went off the list of people’s biggest phobias and thought I’d focus on some of the more Halloween themed fears.
Cats
Maybe because people associate them with witchcraft. Though I feel black cats have always gotten a bum deal. They can cross my path anytime.
Blood
For some, it’s their favorite drink. For others… not so much.
Needles
Not sure if I fear them, but I still cry like a baby when I have to get one.
Birds
Pigeons and seagulls are kind of gross. And Edgar Allen Poe fans are scared of ravens. And we all know a group of crows is called… a murder!
Death
This one’s a given. No matter how prepared our souls may be, we all fear the reaper (sorry, Blue Oyster Cult).
Holes
I was surprised to see that fear of holes is very common. Granted, I’m kind of scared of black holes, but don’t think I’ll run into any in my travels. What do people fear? Gopher holes? Golf holes? And I’ll stop before my mind goes dirty.
The scariest hole in this day in age is one I pray none of us ever encounter:
Flying
I’m not afraid of flying. I’m afraid of crashing. And thanks to Donnie Darko, I’m scared of a plane engine falling into my bedroom while I’m sleeping and crushing me to death.
Germs
Scared to touch doorknobs? Don’t believe in the 5-second rule? Worried about all those little things that we can’t see but will probably kill us? Then you’re a germaphobe!
Thunder & Lightening
The weather for all the worst horror movies. If the lightning doesn’t electrocute you, the crashing thunder will give you a heart attack.
Dogs
Most people adore the cuddly man’s best friends, but none of us want to run into a Cujo or the like. Or some of his ghostly counterparts:
Crowds
Too many people around you… smothering you… and who knows what evils lurk in those masses of people.
Heights
If you can’t stand tall buildings or ski lifts, you may want to avoid rock climbing as well.
Snakes
Even Indiana Jones is scared of snakes. I’ll say it’s pretty terrifying spotting one of them on a nature hike. And don’t even get me started on Medusa! (The mythological figure, not the Inhuman.)
Spiders
It’s well documented that spiders are people’s biggest fears. Personally, I love ’em! But I get how these creepy crawlies can give you the creeps. Especially in mass quantities.
Huddled in the corner yet? Don’t worry, Christmas is right around the corner. Nothing to fear then. Unless you have Christougenniatikophobia. The fear of Christmas!
Written by Tom Misuraca
I am an award-winning playwright/novelist/screenwriter/blogger. I enjoy comics (Batman, Fantastic Four, X-Men), movies, music (Gothic, Industrial, 80s), reading and yoga.