We all carry our own little secrets, manias and phobias. Some of us are better than others to perceive it, and some are better than others at concealing it.
We coexist with people scared of a multitude of things. If you add the polemics of race, religion, social mores and capitalism, it is certain that we will become extinct fairly soon, and the planet will breathe again.
I have a phobia of large gatherings and dense locations. It became more acute as I lived for 8 years in one of the densest and most limited environments for humans. This place -Singapore- deserves its own episode in my story.
I have a phobia of fools. I became aware of this as I was growing up and noticed I was surrounded by them. Venezuela is a country of fools, where no amount of natural riches and minerals can ever balance the stupidity and wastefulness of its leaders and population.
I have a phobia of malice disguised as humor. I grew up experiencing this, day in, day out -thanks to Mr. Fascist. It took a few good years for me to reason this behaviour and my aversion to it.
I have a phobia of sub-optimal solutions. Whether it is to put a ribbon, repair a roof or write computer code, I shudder at the thought of rushed, ineffectual patches. I do not like half-arsed measures. If I am going to build a chicken coop, it will last an eternity.
Phobias are everywhere, and it’s one of the main drivers of our lives. My life has been full of them – I have learnt to live with some, and others, I still do not want to meet in person.