----- Original Message -----

From: kristaelvidge@...

To: unusualphobias@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 6:52 PM

Subject: [unusualphobias] Re: hello

Hey There,

I am the exact same as you as far as balloons go...... I also dont
like other loud noises that I dont know are coming.... I use to be
scared of Fireworks when I was little as well but Im ok with them
now.

Im 24 years old and I have had this problem since I was about 2
years old. Im fine if they are just there and NO ONE is touching
them and they arent touching anything... but once people start
touching them or they are rubbing against a wall I go insane. My
phobia is getting worse every single year.

I just wish I could get over this phobia.... My bf is determined to
get me over it.... All he has been doing is getting mad at me if I
am freaking out when balloons are around. My future kids are going
to hate me... if I dont get over it then they wont even know what
balloons are......

Krista





--- In unusualphobias@yahoogroups.com, "luvslavof3tg"
<alternaace@n...> wrote:
> I'm a new member of this group. My biggest phobia has always been
> balloons. Not the actual balloon itself, but the perpetual fear of
> them popping. If they're just sitting there and it's quite
probable
> that they won't pop, then I'm ok with it. But if someone's blowing
> them up (whether by mouth or machine), playing with them, etc....I
> panic. I've dealt with this phobia most of my life, so by this
point
> (i'm 23 now), I've learned to be pretty discreet about it. I
usually
> saunter off to the bathroom or something and stick in the earplugs
> lol (in case they do pop...then it won't be so loud). My balloon
> popping phobia is pretty generalized...meaning, I'm often bothered
> by most loud abrupt noises. (i.e gunshots, car backfiring, loud
> clapping thunder, fireworks that I don't know are around). Luckily
I
> can enjoy fireworks ok now..AS LONG AS I CAN EXPECT IT (for
> instance, a July 4th fireworks display is fine if I'm sitting
right
> there). Ive also grown pretty fond of thunderstorms..as long as it
> doesnt get too noisy.
> My 2nd phobia (not as severe as the balloons) is of polo shirts.
Not
> sure if it's the button issue, since I am pretty disgusted by most
> buttons, or if it's just a fashion hang up. The collars on polo
> shirts drive me absolutely bat-sh*t! Polos w/ zippers aren't TOO
> bad. Large buttons are pretty revolting as well, esp on cardigans
> and duffel coats...YUCK!