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 As the first blog entry got exhausted. My second book |
| Prompt: Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. Did you know according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17–21 million people in the United States are affected by Paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th), making it the most feared day and date in history. Are you superstitious? Do you know people who are afraid of Friday the 13th? Do you carry some kind of lucky charm? Do you avoid activities because of the date? Friday the 13th: Friend or Foe? Well, here we are again. It's Friday the 13th. And if you're anything like me, you've probably either completely forgotten about it until someone mentioned it, or you've been subtly (or not so subtly) checking your steps all day. It's fascinating, isn't it? This idea that a specific day and date combination can somehow carry a weight of misfortune. I was just reading that a whopping 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by Paraskevidekatriaphobia – the fear of Friday the 13th. That's a huge chunk of the population actively feeling apprehension about something as arbitrary as a calendar date. It makes it, apparently, the most feared day and date in history. Wild. Personally, I'm not really superstitious. I mean, I'm not going to purposely walk under a ladder or smash a mirror, but that's more out of a general sense of not wanting to tempt fate or just plain common sense (who wants glass shards everywhere?). As for Friday the 13th, it usually just slips by unnoticed in my world. I certainly don't avoid activities because of it. If there's something I need to do, or want to do, the date isn't going to be a deterrent. But do I know people who are afraid of Friday the 13th? Absolutely. I've got friends who will genuinely adjust plans, be extra cautious, or even just feel a low hum of anxiety throughout the day. They might joke about it, but you can tell there's a genuine underlying belief or at least a strong habit of apprehension. It’s not just a passing thought for them; it influences their actions, even if subtly. And lucky charms? Nope, not really. I don't carry a rabbit's foot or a four-leaf clover. My "lucky charm," if I had to name one, is probably just a good cup of coffee and a clear head. I find a sense of preparedness and a positive outlook far more reassuring than any physical object. It really makes you think about the power of belief, though. Whether it's a deeply ingrained cultural superstition or a personal quirk, our minds have an incredible ability to assign meaning and consequence to things. For those 17-21 million people, Friday the 13th isn't just another day; it's a day fraught with potential pitfalls. And for the rest of us, it's a reminder of the rich tapestry of human fears and fascinations. So, how about you? Are you counting down the minutes until Saturday, or is today just another Friday? Do you have a lucky charm tucked away somewhere? I'd love to hear your thoughts! |
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