While latex orbs filled with oxygen or helium may seem like the most horrifying concept imaginable, there is another element to these objects that only amplifies the terror. The lifespan of a balloon is determined by whether it hits a sharp object or simply decides to explode. This creates a loud and sudden popping sound. This sound is the origin story of having a Fear of Popping Balloons. Would it be better to focus on balloons as a whole and reference the popping part separately? That would be too easy. Besides, who has a Fear of just balloons?
Inflating Your Fear of Popping Balloons
Balloons are a choking hazard and therefore should not be given to children as a toy. Babies, on the other hand, are fair game. That’s why you never read product warnings saying “keep away from babies”. With that obligatory PSA out of the way, we can now raise the question of why society chooses to hire professional clowns (seems like an oxymoron) who use balloons to entertain children by shaping them into fictitious animal-shaped choking hazards. Conceptually, this seems like a bad way to spend an afternoon for most people.
While balloons may appear to offer endless hours of fun, the fact of the matter is they will at some point burst. This outcome is inevitable. For this reason, having a Fear of Popping Balloons is justified. Once popped, a balloon is rendered useless. It essentially becomes a 2-dimensional piece of rubber. I realize I’ve said balloons are made of both rubber and latex at this point. One day, scientists will be able to confirm how balloons are grown in the wild.
Take the Air Out of Your Fear of Popping Balloons
Unless you are filling thousands of balloons with helium in the hopes of relocating your house to avoid a parking ticket (I think that was the plot of that DreamWorks movie. No one correct me on any aspect of this comparison), the life cycle of a balloon is reasonably short and predictable. Balloons are filled to celebrate a milestone or event and are quickly abandoned. You may enter a banquet hall filled to the brim with balloons, and walk out 2 hours later forgetting what you were celebrating.
You can release your Fear of Popping Balloons by filling a balloon and letting it float into the sky. This act of symbolism can be accomplished at any age. Though most metaphors are just for children to ensure they grow up with properly defined morales. Before conducting this experiment, it’s important to remember one thing: Tell your children to actually let go of the balloon or they will quickly discover they have a Fear of Heights. I think we all remember what happened to Bubble Boy.
This post was created after someone submitted the idea. Couldn’t make this Fear up if I tried. And I have tried. If you have an idea for a future post or want to write one yourself, click this link to get started!
