Spiders in Shoes?

Question

Okay. I know this may seem like a dumb question, but here it goes.
I have a strange fear of spiders living in my shoes that are left in the garage. Every time I pick up a pair of shoes that weren't used all that much, I have this giant fear that if I put my foot in the shoe, then a spider is going to bite my toes! I literally have to put on a glove and check to see if there is anything in there, then vaccuum out the shoe!
Is this normal or is there some way I can get over this?

Answer 1

I don't think this is a strange fear, nor really an irrational one. You can indeed find spiders in seldom-used shoes that are left in places like garages. A simple thing to do, as was already suggested, is to tap the shoe smartly on the ground (heel down, toe up) to shake anything at the toe down to the heel (and then shake it out of the shoe), before you put it on. Those of us who live in tents in the summer do this as a matter of course. An even simpler thing to do is not to store your shoes in the garage.

Answer 2

I don't really like spiders either, and many people are afraid of them. It's called "arachnophobia." I have had an experience where there was a spider in my shoe, but they had been under my cot in a cabin while I was camping. Unless you live in Arizona or New Mexico, where there are tarantulas, (I hope you don't, because that's not very comforting), then I wouldn't be worried about it. Just shake out your shoes before you put them on, and it should be fine.

Answer 3

I'm the same way!!!! I actually had a spider in my shoe. One of those big, barn spiders. It freaked me out!!!!! Now, I can't put on any shoe, no matter where they are until I shake the heck out of it. I'm sure it's normal and there's probably no way to get over it unless you do one of that hypnotic " face your fears " stuff. Even then, who knows. Good luck!

Answer 4

Ew, I hate spiders too! I always have to shake any clothes that I'm going to put on. I also shake my shoes. I've also had a few bats in my house so whenever I put shoes or slippers on I always step on them first to squish anything that may be in there and then shake them before I put them on. You're not weird. Spiders are creepy.

Answer 5

There are different methods in which psychologists get rid of any kind of phobia. One effective way to get rid of the phobia is called saturation, but every psychologist has a different method they think works best. You can get rid of the phobia, though. Talk to a psychologist.