Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Irrational Fear of Mailing Things

I went to the post office yesterday, which, considering my irrational fear of post offices and my aversion to leaving the house during apocalyptic rainstorms, was quite an accomplishment.

And suddenly this post has taken a dramatic turn because I was going to tell you about the hyperactive child I met there but instead I'm going to tell you about my irrational fear of post offices. It is irrational because I have no good reason to be afraid of it. My fear of phones is founded on the many, many, many awkward phone conversations I have had in my short life. My fear of stairs comes from all those stairs I have fallen down. (If I ever take you on a tour of BYU be prepared to see all of them. Stop 1: the library.) But I have never had an unsuccessful trip to the post office. I've had a few run-ins with they guy who mans the stamp room at the West Covina post office but who doesn't love a curmudgeonly stamp guy?

So, only good things have happened at the post office. And yet, I get all panicky at the thought of mailing things. And I will put it off to embarrassingly long lengths. Yesterday's package, for example, was Cynde's Christmas present. In my defense, I had all of the stuff way before Christmas and her parents were out here around New Years and I was going to send it back with them but we didn't get to meet up. So I started calculating when I would see Cynde again and if it was a short enough period to merit holding on to the gift. It wasn't. And the calculations took a few days. I'm slow at math. So I gathered my strength and packaged it all up and then put it in my car to taunt me. And it did taunt me - for a week. A week!!!! And here it is, nigh unto the end of January, and I just now mailed it off. Best Friend of the Year!

So, what is your irrational fear?

14 comments:

Wendy said...

I think we all know mine. Opening refrigerator biscuit cans. And marine life, of course.

Laura said...

Well I don't think it's irrational, but mine is birds. All flying creatures actually. It has to do with their unpredictable nature and how they can change course at a moment's notice.

Anna said...

Railroad Crossings. I'm always pretty sure I'm going to die everytime I'm stopped near one or driving through one.

Heidi said...

SERIOUSLY, I went to the post office TODAY and on the way home my car stalled in the middle of the intersection, shut off, I waited for 2 hours for AAA to tow me home (all the while with my two SCREAMING TODDLERS, as you mentioned above, in the car screaming to go home) As the rains came down and the floods came up.....so maybe I am the same as you now.

Amy said...

I have the same irrational fear of phone calls. I do all I can to get someone's cell number so I can text or email. Anything to avoid me stuttering and making lame jokes to avoid awkward silence, only to realize after telling the lame joke I should have stuck with the awkward silence. Oh, and salespeople. I really freak out when a salesperson comes up and asks me if I need help. If I do, I will ask...I promise. Stop lurking over my shoulder. Mathis Brothers....they are like vultures there. Oooh, I get teh willies just thinking about it.

Stephanie said...

Flying. I get on the plane and I think I'll be alright and then I feel an intense need to call everyone I know and bid them goodbye.

Totally irrational, I know.

Tammy said...

I feel my vocabulary is not very broad for I had to look up the word you used, curmudgeonly (An ill-tempered person full of resentment and stubborn notions) for those who did not know. I guess I need to expand my reading outside of young adult...
My irrational fear is men with long fingernails and toenails , I have the heebs just thinking about it. I automatically distrust any man with either of those nail issues.

sarahgurl said...

Being completely alone in big spaces. for example: me in a the mall comletely alone...shudder x5. its kind of embarrassing but maybe confessing will be some type of therapy!!

Erin said...

People in my personal space - which extends ten feet from my body in all directions. This is especially true when I'm sitting in any waiting room and someone takes the chair RIGHT NEXT TO ME even though there are plenty available other places.

Oh, and people who, for some reason, think they need to share all of their most personal thoughts and feelings with me. I don't need to know about your colonoscopy. Or your sex life. What I do need to know is why you don't brush your teeth.

Andrea said...

What isn't my irrational fear?

The Katzbox said...

This has been so interesting...

My irrational fear is that I will bore people...or irritate them...I would rather fly under the radar than garner negative attention.

yeesh, that was difficult to write.

Amanda said...

I'm right there with you Rachel. I don't know what it is, but I currently have a box on my kitchen counter full of things to mail. 1)shirts that John ordered 6 months ago, but they bled immediately all over the white collar, so back they go. 2) a gift for you that I bought for your birthday last year 3) A trixie belden book for you from Joan. Why did she think that it was wise to send it to me, to send to you? She should have just sent it herself. She is not afraid of the post office. 4) A book that Nan left here over Thanksgiving AND 5)Stuff for Bronwyn's orphans.
I wish I could help, but I need an intervention myself. But, at the end of the day, it is what it is! :)

Mary P said...

Making phone calls

and

Opening and closing pocket knives

Unknown said...

I have an irrational fear of mailing things. Not of the post office as a whole but I'm afraid I'll put the wrong amount of stamps on an envelope or package and the post office worker will laugh at me and think I'm stupid.