#TerrifiedTuesday – What do you fear?

“Every time I climb down the emergency stairs at the back of our office, I feel like I am being pulled down. I believe that after almost 30 years on earth I have developed a fear of heights,” writes News journalist Natasha Pretorius.

This got her thinking, what fears do you have? There are a few really terrifying ones, and some not so terrifying, for instance …

• Pogonophobia – the fear of beards

In an age where men have buns and almost everyone has facial hair, this one could be troublesome to some. This fear can stem from a number of causes, one of which could be that the victim had a bad encounter with someone with a beard. the good news is that with time this is treatable.

• Trypophobia – the fear of tiny holes

This is the fear of irregular patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps. I had a friend who had this fear and though it seems funny to some, she was really unsettled by the sight of them. Some believe that this could be a normal reaction and when the sufferers of this phobia see these patterns, they see danger.

• Turophobia – the fear of cheese

Although not much is known about the fear, sufferers say that they fear all cheeses and that some are worse than others.

• Gamophobia – this refers to the fear of marriage

This could just be the fear of commitment or the fear of marriage itself. But before you start blaming your commitment issues on Gamophobia, there are ways that you can cure your fear. You can surround yourself with happy committed couples, try to find out where your commitment issues come from or seek therapy.

• Linonophobia – a morbid fear of string!

As with the fear of tiny little holes, no one really knows where this fear comes from and it is suggested that it could be caused by a psychological event. Nevertheless, this is a weird fear.

• Aphenphosmphobia – the fear of being touched

This fear could have so many causes, and I for one agree with the sufferers. I try at all times to stand at least an arm’s length away from people who are not relatives or friends. Luckily this too can be cured. The treatment methods include hypnosis.

Do you have any weird and wacky fears? Please do share with us by leaving your comment on our Facebook page.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at  krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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Randfontein Herald

Roodepoort Record

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