Are you afraid to climb a ladder?
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
June 4, 2007 2:43pm CST
OK, so you've got to get on top of your roof. Or maybe you have cathedral ceilings, and you need to change a light bulb. So, you go out to the garage and bring out the ladder.
Does using a ladder scare you? Does it only get scary when you're at the top? Or, is it that first step off the roof onto the ladder that makes you break a sweat?
Or is it the old superstition of walking under a ladder causing bad luck.
Or are you one of those infinitely courageous people who fear no ladders, despite their height?
10 people like this
26 responses
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
5 Jun 07
I used to be afraid of heights but it is a lot better now. I won't say I have a phobia anymore but if you ask me to jump from a plane without a parachute, it is definitely not something I would "courageously" do without batting an eyelid. :P
When I was in the army, I had to perform a service that requested ladder climbing from time to time. I can do it quite fast, both up and down. And so I am neither afraid of heights nor of ladders.
There is still a mild superstitious streak in me so I would avoid walking under ladders unless I have to. I would just try, but failing doesn't really make me uneasy for more than 2 seconds.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Good morning Lordwarwizard,
(I'm thinking that it should still be morning in your time zone)
I'm with you on that 'no jumping without a parachute' thing, for sure! However, I do think it would be fun to skydive with a perfectly functioning chute.
So, your Military service experience made you an 'ol pro at the speedy use of a ladder. Was it also responsible in helping your overcome your mild fear of heights?
Oh, and I think it's only wise to not walk under a ladder. One never knows when they'll get splattered with a glob of paint.
You're a wise Wizard indeed!
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Hello Whyaskq,
Thanks for sharing your ladder perspective. I completely understand your fear of the ladder falling. I always worry about a big gust of wind blowing it over.
Would the person who held the ladder for you leave you alone after you got up to the roof? Well, if this happens, you just give me a shout, and I'll help you hollar for the ladder holder to come back. Heellllpppp!
1 person likes this
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
5 Jun 07
i don't have any fear about ladders. i can climb the ladder we have at home. i tried it when we're fixing the roof. curious on how it feels to go up the ladder, i tried it and i did it without feeling scared to fall at all. i even climbed up and down to see how my brother and my mom is doing up there while fixing the roof.
@Windrunner (477)
• Pakistan
5 Jun 07
first of all, i dont believe in any kind of superstitions. and i am not afraid of climbing up a ladder. infact, i find it very thrilling. once i climbed a ladder on our terrace and i hid on the water tank, my cousins and i were playing hide and seek. the feeling up there was totally different. :)
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Hello Windrunner,
So, you're the fearless sort. I hope that remains with you. It's a bummer being frightened to deal with ladders. And, I understand about the different spacial orientation in high places. I get it also, and love it. I just wish I didn't have to step back onto the ladder, to get back down.
@jennawash (161)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Oh my, I am terrified of ladders! But only ladders, heights do not bother me, just ladders. I feel completely unstable and feel as though I have no sense of control. Painting takes forever as I move through the room, each climb up the ladder terrifies me. It's really quite pathetic. I have no problems walking under a ladder, when I'm under it I'm safely on the ground!!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Hello Jennawash,
Welcome to MyLot. I hope you enjoy your time here.
And, thanks for sharing your thoughts about ladders. You and I share this fear. Not of heights, but the lack of stability on a ladder. I'm blessed with a fabulous husband who willingly paints most of the high spots without being asked. Boy, am I thankful for him!
I wonder, with more practice on ladders, if this fear would dissipate? Any thoughts on that?
@MJLami (1173)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Whether inside or outside I won't go past the third step. Once on this house I made it to the roof to clean the gutters. I was more scared getting back on the ladder when it was time to get down. I can get on a plane no problem but I don't want to fall to the ground from a ladder.
@MJLami (1173)
• United States
6 Jun 07
That day was mind over matter and it helped the gutters were overloaded with debris and we'd been having some heavy rains. My first house was two-story, this one is one level so I convinced myself I was safer because not as high and the roof not as pitched.
1 person likes this
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
5 Jun 07
Well, the walking under the ladder is a very old superstition which is supposed to be likened to walking through the Holy Trinity, that is what I was taught. Logically it is a bit hazardous as you never know what the person working upstairs may drop onto you.
I am not a lucky person so I don't push my luck and I don't walk under ladders.
I used to be a real scared baby when I was younger, but the worse my disabilities get, the more stubborn I get about doing things. I would go up the ladder and I would get into a lot of trouble with my partner as I have falls on flat land, but if something really needed doing, ues, I would be up that ladder. I wouldn't look down though :-)
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
7 Jun 07
Thank you for your very nice words.
http://www.trivia-library.com/a/origin-of-common-superstitions-walking-under-ladders.htm
That is a little link about the Trinity and ladders. Where I live it was a very common believe during my childhood and people would risk being knocked over by a car by stepping into the road, rather than pass under a ladder - strange but true!
Wow, very interesting response Shelagh77. I do love to learn something new, and I never heard that about the ladder/ Holy Trinity connection before. I'll make a point to look that up. Thx!
White Face was a real character, if you have photos of her you could write the book, it was a very full and interesting life and there is a deep message there about overcoming adversity, isn't there.
Yes, the worse I get, the more stubborn I get and according to my family, the more troublesome, honestly, moi? Troublesome?
1 person likes this
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
8 Jun 07
Good Evening Ladyluna :-)
That is a super photo of White Face, what a lovely friendly dog!
I am glad you liked the link, I do like to give back a little.
Feisty, hmmm like that A LOT!
May I say hugs?
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
8 Jun 07
Good morning Shelagh77,Thanks for the link. And, you're welcome for the kind observations.
Yes, White-face was quite a character. And, she was a model for overcoming adversity. She is terribly missed.
As for your increasing stubborness ... hey, we'll just call it feisty, OK?
1 person likes this
@kuirqs (512)
• Philippines
5 Jun 07
I guess I'm one of those people who isn't afraid to go up ladders or of heights, in general. I love the thrill of climbing up ladders, and would go under one just for the heck of it. It's pretty cool to be on top, I love the thrill it gives me when I look down, call me crazy!
@kuirqs (512)
• Philippines
7 Jun 07
Thanks, Ladyluna, for the warm welcome (and for thinking I'm not crazy ~_~)! Getting off a ladder or going over to the top rung from the roof, can be a bit of a challenge, especially if the ladder is rickety. Anyway, I don't get to log in as much as I want to and it sucks real bad, so I try my best to respond whenever I have the time. Hope to see you around! :)
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
I completely understand Kuirqs. As I mentioned earlier, I am not afraid of heights. For me the fear is that step around from the roof to the top rung. It's a real 'leap of faith'. Otherwise, I'm fine going up and down.
I love to fly, even in prop planes & helicoptors. Tall buildings, high cliffs, etc... I'm good with all that. It's just the getting off and back on the top of the ladder.
So, I absolutely do not think you're crazy.
@tendaheart2002 (495)
• United States
5 Jun 07
I use to hate using ladders, that was until i had a job getting on lifts to change light bulbs. So now I don't really worry about it.
1 person likes this
@tendaheart2002 (495)
• United States
6 Jun 07
It took me a few weeks to really get comfortable with it all and realize that I would not fall. So just give it time and you will be fine.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Hello Tendaheart2002,
Thank you for posting this. I have been wondering if more exposure to ladder use would help diminish this fear. Your reply gives me hope that confidence on a ladder, is indeed, obtainable.
How long did it take you to overcome your displeasure with ladders?
1 person likes this
@meljessxena (2315)
• Australia
5 Jun 07
i cant stand heights, i get about 2nd or 3rd step then im like ohh no i have to go back down now. i find it ok, when inside and if need change a light i can climb up on a chair or something that is alright. or my partner got a tractor i can climb up on that and do stuff and the height doesnt worry me.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Good morning Meljessxena,
Ladders are funny things. Especially when they're being used outdoors. It seems to affect our psyche's more that one big gust of wind, and oops!
What's interesting is that you or I are just as high off the ground if we're standing on a table or chair, but somehow it seems more stable than being up on a ladder, doesn't it?
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
On a completely different point: What kind of tractor did your partner get? And, what primarily does he/she use it for?
I'm not just being nosey, my Hubby wants to buy a tractor with a little front end loader/backhoe attachment, and I'm wondering whether tractor loyalty is like pick up loyalty, or whether there really are functional differences.
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
5 Jun 07
I'm afraid of falling and getting hurt. I'm not afraid of falling and dieing but of getting hurt. I'll climb on a chair, table, or any of that but a ladder never seemed stable to me. I avoid going on them if I can and get others to do it for me. I'll go up a few steps but if it's wobbly at all I get down quick.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Hello Emeraldisle,
Thank you for sharing your ladder thoughts.
I definitely understand your fear of pain, and debilitation. And, it makes perfect sense to get off quickly if the ladder feels wobbly.
I'm fine going up. And, I'm fine going down. What I fear is that first step off of the roof, onto the first rung of the ladder. Wooo, my heart starts pounding like a roaring freight train. Once I have both feet on the ladder I'm fine. It's that leap of faith step around the ladder that gets me.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Hello Emeraldisle,
I totally understand. I will admit that I have to talk myself into that 'leap of faith' step off of a solid surface, around to the ladder rung.
I don't know how people who climb ladders all day do it. My Hubby is so good with ladders. It impresses me to no end!
1 person likes this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
5 Jun 07
I can go up on a chair and then over to something else but I cannot go up a ladder and onto something else. I'm too afraid the ladder will fallout while I'm doing it. Let alone go back on it afterwards. Never even tried. I just never feel secure on them. That they will fall or collapse on me.
1 person likes this
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
8 Jun 07
No, ladders aren't too much of a problem for me. As long as I feel secure and don't step on the very top rung or step. I don't mind walking under ladders and would worry more about something falling from them then having bad luck. But you could say that having something fall on you would be bad luck. lol. I am usually good with heights. As far as changing light bulbs, I am Polish, so that is a difficult task for me...lol.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
9 Jun 07
Hello Sigma,
Wow, I'm sorry I neglected your reply. I sorta' lost sight of this question.
Anyway, it's nice to see your great wit seep through your reply. Ar,ar,ar ... polish light bulb jokes, very witty my friend. Don'cha just love being able to laugh at ourselves?
So, you're an ace on ladders. I tip my hat to you, my friend. As you can see by many of the responses, this is a very real fear for many.
Excellent advice to stay off that top rung!
Thanks for sharing!
1 person likes this
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
9 Jun 07
Hold on there a minute. I am not quite an ace on ladders. I don't fear them, but I have my limits. lol. If you are talking about climbing to the rooftops of the second story, then that ladder better be nailed, glued and roped into place...lol. Not to mention 3 deep mattresses on the ground below.
1 person likes this
@titaniumsoul (1191)
• Singapore
6 Jun 07
Whenever I step onto the ladder steps, both of my legs starts to shakes, however, it didn't when I went to the top most step where a huge platform caters for me to stand steadily. Despite the shaky legs, I do not have any fear on climbing the ladders steps.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Hello Titaniumsoul,
I'm so pleased that you stopped by. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue.
OK, so the promise of a solid surface keeps you heading upward, despite the shaky legs? Hmmm, you must be very goal oriented.
So, are you OK about climbing the ladder if you're going to remain on the ladder instead of stepping off onto the roof or a scaffold?
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
7 Jun 07
Thanks Titaniumsoul.
Your response gave me a wonderful visual of you standing atop the platform, like the 'King of the Hill'.
Did you play 'King of the Hill' or 'King of the Mountain' as a child, in your country. Which ever child can race to the top of the hill first can claim to be king?
@titaniumsoul (1191)
• Singapore
7 Jun 07
Congratulations on your ratings, I have seen your rating appeared to be the one and only blue star with a 10. As for your question, as long as the platform is a firm and stable, I climb and stand on it.
1 person likes this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
9 Jun 07
Hi LadyLuna!
Ladders and I are not friends, never have been, never will be. I have a small 4 step ladder that I borrowed from my neighbor to complete painting my kitchen. I still have not completed it, the thought of even stepping on the first rung makes my heart race. So if anything needs to be done on the roof or with the gutters either someone else does it or it stays the way it is. If a light bulb needs to be changed I call either hubby or my son. I keep my feet on the ground as much as I can.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
9 Jun 07
Good morning Dragonokiefly,
Nice to visit with you again! So, you and ladders have never developed a close bond, eh?
If all the high stuff is relegated to Hubby, or your son, then I guess your son gets stuck on the ladder most often ... since your Hubby isn't real fond of ladders either?
Is your son a good sport about the high chores?
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
9 Jun 07
He doesn't seem to mind at all thank heavens. Hubby will do it but no he doesn't much care for them either. But neither of them know how to paint worth a darn so I guess I will have to face my fear soon so I can get the ladder back to the neighbor. I've only had it for 3 months now lol.
1 person likes this
@roniroxas (10559)
• Philippines
5 Jun 07
it depends on the ladder. if it is safe and someone will be looking up after me down well i think i can. lol i think
@roniroxas (10559)
• Philippines
5 Jun 07
yes i agree it is a big factor that someone is down there while we are up ont he ladder, weather they will catch us or not. lol
thanks also for appreciating my avatar. wink wink
1 person likes this
@joey_matthews (8354)
•
9 Jun 07
Oh no..
I don't like heights but I'm fine on ladders, pretty strange but I hate going near windows with huge drops or going up stairs which turn and turn..
Kudos,
~Joey
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
5 Jun 07
Hi luna. I always used the ladder whenever I need to clean the ceiling fan here at my house. It is one of my least favorite chore having no choice but to climb a ladder. I try not to look down and pretend I'm standing on solid ground. I don't allow any fear to seep in my mind as it tend to lose my balance. Fortunately for me, I hadn't fell down from a ladder yet.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Good morning Charms,
So, it's 'mind over matter' for you? That makes perfect sense!
I really don't mind using a ladder to go up, and back down. It's the 'leap of faith' step off of, and back onto the ladder that gets me.
Once you've stepped off of the ladder, on to a solid surface, in order to get back on, one must swing their leg out, into nothing but thin air, to access the first rung, in order to step back down the ladder. It's that moment of 'thin air' that gets my heart pounding.
Thanks for sharing your ladder thoughts. I'm thrilled that you've never had a ladder mis-step. And, am keeping my fingers crossed that you always remain sure footed when you clean the ceiling fan.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
5 Jun 07
They certainly are a pain to clean, but they're wonderful for keeping the air moving.
And, with your heat and humidity, I'll bet you'd miss is as soon as you took it down.
We are spared the humidity here, as we live in the high dessert. But it does sometimes get hot, and oh how our ceiling fans help!
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Hi ladyluna!
I don't have a problem with heights and climbing ladders. My fear is falling. So as long as I feel secure I can climb as high as I have to. To feel secure I usually have to have someone hold the ladder so that it doesn't start tipping over or shaking too bad.
A lot of people say that the fear of heights and the fear of falling are the same thing but I have a friend who is so afraid of heights that she gets scared when she sees someone else climb higher than a few feet. I've spent the last 30 yrs changing her lightbulbs, taking her kids on carnival rides, cleaning her gutters and washing her upstairs outside windows.
Of course it all could have been a clever deception to get me to do her dirtywork.. NA.. LOL
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Jun 07
Good morning Craftcatcher,
Well, you certainly are a devoted friend!
I know what you mean about the fear of ladders and the fear of heights not being quite the same thing. Like you, I have no fear of being up high, it's just the getting back onto the ladder part that gets me going. Of course, Transdisc's mention of a 40' ladder gave me a moment of serious pause. I wouldn't mind standing on a 40' platform, but the trip up, and back down would definitely make me nervous!
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
5 Jun 07
wow. that's one good thing. you will face your fear of heights just to be of help to other people. admirable.
1 person likes this