Phunny Phobias
If you met someone who was afraid of paper or wax statues, wouldn't you tell them to stop being so ridiculous and get over it? Every Monday, Null editor Hayley hand-picks another bizarre phobia and tries to work out whether it's real or rubbish.
This week:
Cardigan-phobia: fear of cardigans
What's so scary about it?
This is a real odd ball phobia if ever I heard one. But one that I've managed to locate a case study for - someone who was apparently willing to talk to a major national newspaper about his fear. "James" (if that is his real name) told the Independent, "I've been in potentially sexual situations with people wearing cardigans, where I've had to move away. If the woman is simply a friend, I could just about give her a hug, but when sex is possibly down the line it's a problem." Okaaaay, this is most definitely not normal male behaviour.
What do the scientists say about it?
Possibly the only person in the world who has any experience in dealing with this phobia - James' therapist - says it hints at deeper psychological problems. You don't say.
Hayley says:
"If we believe James... Real."
So far: Real 19 Rubbish 19
Find phunny phobias from other weeks here.
Null's other regular features:
Tuesday: Nutty Nomenclature
Wednesday: Doctor Doctor
Thursday: Peculiar Periodicals
Friday: End of week timewasters
Image: thanks to Knitting Park
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