Quote:

---

Post Subject: Clowns


I hope someone here can help me.


When I was a small child, more than thirty years ago, I was terrified of clowns. Scared to death of them. Eventually, I outgrew my phobia and haven't thought about it in many years. Recently, however, it's returned.


It started about a month ago at a bachelor party for a co-worker. My friends "Chris" (the guest of honor) and "Tim" (his best man) have, well, a unique sense of humor. The evening started off at "Tim's" house. After a few drinks, the obligatory "dirty move" was inserted into the DVD player. Lo and behold, the title in question was "Clown Porn," starring one "Dick Chibbles." At once I began to feel uneasy, as I hadn't felt in many, many years.


After the movie, we piled into a hired van and proceeded to a Gentlemen's Club we had booked for the evening. The night air helped calm my anxieties. When we arrived, however, they returned with a vengence. It seems that "Tim" arranged for the girls at the club to wear clown greasepaint. It was bad enough on "Tim's" widescreen TV, but here they were in the flesh, so to speak.


I began having nightmares shortly thereafter. At least five nights a week I wake up in a cold sweat after dreaming about clowns. It's gotten to the point that I'm afraid to take the kids for a Happy Meal because I don't want to see any images of Ronald McDonald.


Has anyone else had a childhood fear suddenly re-surface decades later? If so, what can be done about it.


Thanks for your support,


Jim

---