Fears and Phobias

We all have things we fear. We also all have a few little semi-irrational phobias hiding in the corners, too. We tend to cover them up, and rearrange our lives so we conveniently don't encounter those things we fear. We make sure nobody sees us confronted with those things we fear. But they're still Out There.

Skatemom's comment about frogs got me thinking. Frogs are just fine with me. Bats, lizards, sharks, slimy things in the water, bugs, spiders, rats, heights, public speaking - no big problem for me, really. Getting hit by lightning? Been there, done that. Being in a plane crash? Done that too (deadstick landing after the engine quit at 7000 feet).

I've recently been reminded, however, of a few things that I really don't like.... I mean, that I actually fear. Of course, some people would think these are no big deal, and my fears are silly, but there they are, nevertheless. I don't have any dire phobias that send me into a screaming panic, at least not that I can think of. But there are things I'd truly rather avoid, if possible.

• Starting the swim leg of any triathlon. Hard to complete a triathlon without it, so I have to just do it anyway.
• Getting to the painful part of a marathon. Hitting the wall. Bonking. I certainly try to avoid that one!
• I used to fear getting a flat tire on my bike in a race, but now that I've changed a few, I think I'd mostly be simply annoyed and a little on the slow and clumsy side.
• Making "cold calls" to strangers. I dislike it and avoid it. I don't talk much on the telephone to begin with. I used to have to do this a lot for my work, and I procrastinated like crazy on calling people I didn't know.
• Asking directions from strangers. I'm a total guy in that regard. I'd rather buy a map and figure it out on my own.
• Taxis. I don't take them unless there's really no alternative. I really don't like being in a car with a strange man at the wheel who can take me anywhere he wants to go. Or go the long way and charge me some ridiculous extortionate amount. *jeanne* recently recommended taking a cab after the finish of the New York City Marathon, and I told her that I'd rather walk or take the subway, even after completing a whole marathon.
• Well, clowns, of course, but everyone knows they're evil. ;-)

What things do YOU fear? Hmm, I guess "strangers" and not being "in control" is the common thread in several of those. I won't tag anyone in particular, that's just too mean, but ... What are YOUR secret phobias?