Family-induced phobias (was Other Weasleys (Percy, Fred))

[pbnesbit at msn.com]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., "Milz" <absinthe at m...> wrote:
> > 
> > 
> I was about 4 years old, when my brothers (ages 8 and 6) got a toy 
> rubber snake as a gift (undoubtedly from some deranged person). 
> Anyhow, they used to hide behind corners and jump out to scare me. 
> They would make hissing sounds behind me then throw the snake on 
me. 
> They would hide it in my bed, under my pillow. I credit them with 
my 
> dislike of snakes.
> 
> :-)Milz


:shudder:  The same thing happened to me, only it was with my first 
cousins (both boys).  I'm an only child, so I was spared the horrors 
<g> of siblings.  Well meaning "friends" also did this with toy 
snakes and twigs (being legally blind, I couldn't tell the 
difference).  

The funny thing is that I worked for a while at a science museum 
doing animal programs; met (& fell in love with) a boa named Jake.  I 
no longer fear snakes.  I leave that to Doug. 

Peace & Plenty, 

Parker