Triskaidekaphobia

Triskaidekaphobia And so, you have “Triskaidekaphobia” on your mind. Indeed, fear of the Number “13” does have a real and a certain palpable feel and meaning for people who harbor this particular phobia and carry it with them in their lives. With triskaidekaphobia, superstitions abound regardless of any rational explanations that are proffered in western societies. The history of mankind is rife with superstitions and old wives’ tales dating back through the centuries as human societies grew and evolved over time and became more or less sophisticated by their own enculturation processes. Nevertheless, next time you’re on an elevator you may notice that a button for a “Thirteenth Floor,” doesn’t exist, and that Floor 12 progresses to Floor 14. And, with a “Floor 13” being non-existent, this may give a person, a pause for a moment, with a certain mental flavor of the phantasmal aura about everything that surrounds a “Floor 13” existing and being listed on the elevator’s button-panel selections—let alone even being mentioned at all. Sometimes the slack in this oddity of the floor numbers may be deflected with a listing for the “Mezzanine” that is an intermediate second floor that’s open to the ground floor by a stairwell. It’s also worth mentioning that many old hotels in the past that still exist today were built with the inclusion of a “Thirteenth Floor.” What to do? Do nothing. “Triskaidekaphobia” will exist regardless, and this phobia, among many others, will help to keep psychiatrists employed, occupied, and busy with all of their various professional endeavors. When in doubt, just remember that the “Loch Ness Monster,” a la “Nessie,” does, in fact, really exist. And, never push that button for that “Thirteenth Floor,” or else . . . ! Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved November 29, 2018 (Narrative)