My partner just brought me three pop-open dough cans. They absolutely cannot stand the surprise from opening them. Basically the same hatred for the Jack-in-the-box toys. It's such a strange thing to me that I'll never understand.

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[–] 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm the same way though I've learned to tolerate it over the years. I just don't like to be startled, it's uncomfortable and feels like getting electrocuted.

Semi-topical rant:

I don't watch horror movies unless they're the sort that doesn't rely on jump-scares, for the same reason. Being startled is not being scared -- it's simply being alarmed. True fear for me resides in foreboding, strangeness, breakdown of reality, inexorable consuming darkness, alien minds.

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  • [–] [S] 3 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    We talked at length about it this morning. Similar response too. Ever since I've known them, they've hated balloons, for instance. POP!

    I think I'm just realizing how differently people's bodies react to being startled. For some, it must be more extreme than I realize. I'm not saying I don't startle, but my body simply doesn't react as harshly. And I think that's the key. 💜

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