I know I shouldn't mock but I can't get over how many blokes (particularly in our male dominated family) are terrified of spiders. I'm the chief spider catcher of the house, quite happy to pick them up and cup them in my hands for safe ejection as I don't allow any 'pidies to be killed indoors. I've had many a panic-induced, mushy stain left over carpet and wall. Of course, I understand that spiders can be dangerous in many countries but not ours and trying even to get them being thankful for that alone still didn't gain them any respect! But overall, apart from the odd cobweb, what real harm do they do?My older son, PrettyBoy, a Serco Security Guard, who as a child of 5 or 6 would have sat through The Exorcist and take on board that it's only a film (he didn't so get those receivers down before you dial that Childline number!) is still not keen in shooing them.
But, PeaPod, my sensitive 21 year old, whose friends and he I've chased many a time up the garden with 'pidie-in-closed-hand, is so arachnophobic that he states even the very name 'spider' is frightening enough and now wants to refer to them as 'intruders'.
Fair do's. But here's hoping he's not got a bedroom window open when screaming
''Help - there's an intruder in my room!'
Wonder how he'd explain that one to the police!
