So funny story....
The wife always whines about spiders. "I'm afraid of them". It irritates me because I'm trying to teach my boys to respect things that will hurt you so that if they come face to face with that thing, then they can act quickly and with a level head. (Army training, SIR!)
The other night we were sitting watching tv and a spider was descending on to her person from the ceiling. I look over and see this puzzled look on her face turn to absolute terror and she jumped up screaming SPIDER!. "MR! COME KILL IT!" She ran out of the room and I could hear her hyperventilating in the other room. Over a 1 cm bug.
Heights spook me, flying scares me, and I realize its a control issue I have. I've never seen someone react in such a terrified, un-able to control themselves kind of way. Fight or flight kicked in and she was GONE.
I was pissed at first that she would freak out like that. Now, I kinda get it after re-reading this thread.
I don't understand the fear, but I acknowledge it exists. Maybe I can help her? I doubt it.
Until she gets over it (fingers crossed) I will continue to be the spider slayer (I rescue them and put them outside).