Why Do Spiders Scare You?
By GreenMoo
@GreenMoo (11833)
April 7, 2008 2:18am CST
Or maybe they don't! But I reckon there's an awful lot of people here on MyLot who are certainly not keen on them. In fact I'd go so far as to say that I think they're the number one most disliked animal.
So it got me thinking. Why is that? Why do we not like spiders? A huge proportion of them are harmless after all, and they do a great job of eating flies which bother us. So why do we hate them so?
For me, it's got something to do with the way they move. It's sudden and I have to watch one if it's close because I'm never quite sure where it'll go (and I'm convinced it'll run up my leg, despite that being the last thing it would want to do!!).
How about you?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@wickedangel (1636)
• Dominican Republic
7 Apr 08
I think we all dislike spiders so much because they have 8 legs - and if they are hairy then they are really scary - and the way that they move as well as the speed with which they can move. I run a mile when I see them.
When I was quite young I ran though some bushes and my face got covered in a number of spiders and lots of spiders web. After that I have been terrified of them, even the little ones. I am a bit better now but if they are big and hairy then that's it, I'm off ... you don't see me for dust!
@paid2write (5201)
•
7 Apr 08
I think some irrational fears are often passed on by parents, particularly if a mother shows she is scared, the child will also feel fear, without knowing why.
I would never deliberately harm a spider. When I have seen a montrously big one inside my home I have tried to help it out of the window rather than squash it.
I still hate to see one though.
1 person likes this
@GreenMoo (11833)
•
7 Apr 08
However much we dislike them, I don't agree with harming them either. Well, unless they're the poisonous sort & they're a threat to you.
I tend to try & catch them in a large glass then take them a long way from the house. It's amazing how often they find their way back though.
@sandygaspay (10)
• Philippines
7 Apr 08
A big part of why Im so scared of spiders can be attributed to those freaky spider movies. Although I havent seen tarantulas or spiders with big, fat, hairy legs.. the thought of it makes me shiver
