Friday The 13th: Phobias Unique To New Yorkers
It's Friday! But this isn't just any Friday, it's Friday the 13th -- cue the spooky music. Somewhere along the line of American history the day of superstitions has become a superstition itself, leaving those who believe in it acutely aware, even fearful, of any misfortune that may befall them on this supposedly unlucky day. Here at Best of New York, we thought now would be a good time to take a look at some of the fears or phobias that are unique to New Yorkers.
Related: 5 'Haunted' Spots In New York City
Check out our list, and head to our Facebook page to leave us a comment with your New York phobia.
MetroCardophobia
The fear of having "insufficient funds" on your card just as the train approaches. Nothing can get your blood pumping faster than hearing your train pulling up as you get to the turnstile and simultaneously realizing that you can't remember the last time you put money on your MetroCard. Just thinking about it gives us anxiety. When's the next train? Oh, I'll just take a seat then.
Pizzaratophobia
Fearing that a sneaky rodent will make off with your New York slice at 2 a.m. It's late, you're hungry and there's a dollar slice pizza place right on the corner near your train station -- thank the heavens. But now that the infamous "Pizza Rat" has been outed, you may be thinking twice before you sit down to wait for the next subway train with that slice so conveniently out in the open for anyone -- or animal -- to steal.
Traingapophobia
The fear of falling into the gap between the train and the station platform. As New Yorkers, we've heard the saying so many times we can repeat it on command: "Please watch the gap between the train and the platform." While this may not be a real fear in the clinical sense, the danger of falling between the train and the platform is all too real. Over the summer, a woman was rescued from the Long Island Rail Road tracks after she fell between the train she was getting off of and the station platform.
Slowtouristsaphobia
The fear of getting trapped behind a group of tourists while trying to get to and from work. Is there anything more infuriating than when you're running late for work, coffee spilling out of your cup as your hurry along, only to slam right into the back of some tourist who went from a slow walk to a dead stop in the middle of the sidewalk with no warning? Yea, we didn't think so either.
Elmoaphobia
The fear of being harassed by a costumed character in Times Square. Unless you live or work in the immediate vicinity, New Yorkers generally avoid touristy Times Square while going about their day. But when your cousins from Wisconsin come to town, it's one of the first places they will want to go -- and who doesn't want a picture with Elmo? That is, until you're asked to fork over the dough. It's no secret that many costumed characters at the Cross Roads of the World have a penchant for taking photos with tourists and then demanding a tip in return.
Grosspuddlephobia
The fear of stepping in, sitting in, or otherwise coming into contact with an unidentifiable filthy substance on the street, subway or elsewhere. This one's pretty self explanatory. Whether it's the deceptively deep curb puddle, the brown rust puddle from the leaky subway roof, or the dirt-slush combo puddles that pop up on every street following the first snowfall of the season, no one wants to step in it. How about that sticky substance on the only open seat on the subway? Nah, we're good. We'll just stand for the next 20 minutes.
For the latest on all of the Tri-State's events and happenings, follow us on Twitter!
