Is being afraid of the dark ok?

I'm 17 and I'm still afraid of the dark. I'm a very bubbly person and as my mom says I'm like a moth, because I'm drawn to light but I'm terrified of the dark. Everytime I turn off the light I run out of the room.

Voting Results
79% Normal
Based on 42 votes (33 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 14 )
  • NurseDiesel

    I never understood this fear. Its not the dark that's scary, but what could be lurking within it, which is most likely nothing. So you are afraid of nothing, you see. That'll be $200. Thank you.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • thr

      It makes sense if during the evolution of mankind, the darkness could hide dangerous animals.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • MasterOfWaffles

    it r hooman instinkt to b afrade uv teh dark, bcuz uv predatoors dat raom in teh nite.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • disthing

    Everybody's a little afraid of the dark - more specifically, what could be in the dark.

    But how normal it is all depends on the extent and the context.

    For example, when walking at night along a quiet, empty road, shrouded in darkness, it's understandable to be unnerved by the lack of light.

    However, lying safely tucked up in your bed at night, but being too terrified to turn out the light, isn't so understandable.

    A phobia of the dark is by definition irrational. It's NOT normal, though as phobias go not uncommon. Having to run out of the room the moment the light is out is indicative of a phobia, and again that's not particularly normal.

    Depending on how adversely this affects your life, you may want to think about trying to overcome your fear. Force yourself to sit in a dark room for a while until your nerves settle. Be brave.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • MissesAnonymous23

    I'm not a fan of the dark either, and I'm 21. But it's the not knowing what's in the dark that scares me. My mind plays tricks on me, and when it's pitch black, it's like a blank canvas, and my mind makes up all sorts of things.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • thegypsysailor

    Makes no sense to me at all. In the dark, whatever you are afraid of can't see you any more than you can see it. But in the light, it can see you perfectly clearly. In the light YOU CAN BE SEEN; only in the dark do you have any possibility of escaping. The dark is your friend! Don't you see that?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • MissesAnonymous23

      But we don't know what "it" is. It could see in the dark. Or it could sense you better without light. Call me crazy, but it's a normal fear to fear the unknown, and nobody knows what's lurking in the dark. You can see what's in the light, so your mind is put at ease.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ConfusedandFlustered

    Sure. I'm older than you and I'm scared of the dark too. I NEVER sleep without my lamp on. You never know what might be lurking in the shadows. But hopefully, nothing will ever come out and get us. That and it's simply much harder to see things in the dark.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Aliceee93

    You've lived 17 years and nothing has got you yet. You'll be fine!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • RoseIsabella

      As far as we know.
      ;-)

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Aliceee93

        There might be something under his bed...

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • RoseIsabella

          The Boogie Man.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • Aliceee93

            Ahhhh! He's right to be scared.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • RoseIsabella

              Yes, one never knows what the Boogie Man might do.

              Comment Hidden ( show )