People are weird.

Some feelings are stronger than others.

Different people are afraid of different things.

Fear – just like anger or hunger – is an important feeling.

Maybe you are afraid of heights and your friend is afraid of spiders.

Some people are afraid of dogs. A bark may frighten them. They don’t want to get bitten.

People who are afraid of needles don’t want to get hurt by the medical staff.

Some people are afraid of speaking in public. They don’t want to be judged.

Other people have Claustrophobia, which means to be afraid of confined spaces.

Some people are afraid of heights. Their Acrophobia has them avoid tall buildings and bridges.

Other people have agoraphobia, which means to be afraid of open spaces.

Some people are afraid of spiders, which means they have Arachnophobia.

It is okay to be afraid, but you must try to overcome your fears.

You can always count on your family and friends.

If you feel down, you can also call 1-800-273-8255.

And you? What are you afraid of?

(leave your answer in the comment section below)

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Focus Words

height: a tall or high place or location.

to bite: to cut something with your teeth.

to be bitten: the past participle of the verb to bite.

needle: the pointed hollow end of a hypodermic syringe.

to get hurt: to have pain or injury caused to your health or well-being.

to be judged: to have other people’s opinions or conclusions formed about you.

to overcome: to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

to count on somebody: to rely or depend on another person for something.

to feel down: to not feel emotionally well.