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Daniel Sheehan

TEDCRED 20+

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What is your rational phobia?

In a resent Conversation, "Are you left-handed?" (http://www.ted.com/conversations/11310/are_you_left_handed.html), I said:
"My biggest left-handed fear is power tools, without my preferred hand control I find them dangerous."
I consider this a rational phobia because although I can and have used power tools, mostly without incident (I still have all my fingers), I do my best to avoid using them.
There are plenty of irrational fears like the fear of spiders or snakes because, well, spiders and snakes are creepy.
I'd like to hear about the rational fears hounding you that are fact or experience based.

Topics: Phobia Rational fear reason
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    Debra Smith 200+

    • +2
    Jul 22 2012: I REALLY HATE bugs that bite me. I figure I do not bite them or eat them so they shouldn;t eat me. Now I do not know how I might feel if a chicken took a chunk of me. I might have to reconsider my arguement.
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      Daniel Sheehan 20+

      • +1
      Jul 23 2012: Hello Debra,
      Yuck, creepy crawlers. Bugs creep out most people and bugs that bite are the worst.
      I believe that you can keep them at bay by adopting the attitude that you are their predator. You have to think and project "I WILL EAT YOU!" If they can smell fear they should be able to smell aggression.
      You're the apex predator, act like one.

      Chickens will peck at you if you tip-toe into the chicken run, eat one and teach them a lesson.
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    V Alexander

    • +1
    Jul 20 2012: I have a rationalized fear of people (who are never truly predictable) hurtling along at terrific speeds in metal contraptions weighing tons. In fact, I think I fear these unpredictable creatures altogether. :)
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      Daniel Sheehan 20+

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      Jul 22 2012: Thanks for the comment V.
      I've got to agree, other driver give me the willies. (You don't say if you drive but I'll assume that you do.)
      I live in the Chicagoland area and I don't want to go on the expressways during the weekdays. The combination of super-aggressive drivers and timid/confused drivers, in my opinion, makes it dangerous. Fortunately the majority of drivers are considerate, but the percentage goes down around rush hour due to frustration in congestion. There's just no real-time consistent predictability in those situations.
      I will give good marks to commercial/professional urban drivers. They're out there all day, every day trying to keep it safe, and you can rely on them to give you a break. So show them some appreciation when they do and give them a break when you can.
      Stay safe.
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    Robert Winner 50+

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    Jun 24 2012: All of my phobias are rational. I am a rational person I have no hang ups. I am sane. Who said I wasn't? It was the voices .... right.
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    Kevin Jacobson

    • +1
    Jun 23 2012: Roller coasters. I know if I go on one I'll likely come out alive and unscathed, but I just can't find the courage to approach the seat. It all started when I was in second grade and my parents told me it would be fun....I think you know the rest.
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      Daniel Sheehan 20+

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      Jun 25 2012: Hi Kevin,here is one of my favorite quotes:
      "I must not fear.
      Fear is the mind-killer.
      Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
      I will face my fear.
      I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
      And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
      Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
      Only I will remain."
      Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear - from "Dune" by Frank Herbert
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        Kevin Jacobson

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        Jun 25 2012: Next time I go to an amusement park, maybe I'll try to apply that way of thinking(shutters).
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