Discussion»Questions»Human Behavior» You see a guy on the edge of doom/danger/destruction. Would you try to save him even if meant he could take you over the edge too? Why?
I was literally in that position once. Well twice. The first was the most interesting.
In the army reserve a young guy and myself were left to transport a eavy set of radio equipment -- sets, generators, etc -- down a cliff. I have acrophobia and wasn't looking forward to it but the kid was terrified. I had to mother him all the way and when we got to the bottom I realised that while I was worrying about him I wasn't worrying about me. It was the start of a lifetime journey that's taken me abseiling, hang gliding, and all manner of things I couldn't have done before. I still have a mini-battle with my acrophobia but I can overcome it now -- and I'm grateful to that lad for showing me how.
A few years ago I even walked over the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Mrs Didge and our granddaughters.
The second incident, much more in keeping with your question, happened about 15 years ago. We were walking our dog in a bushland area when we came across a young couple who had driven their SUV too close to the edge of a cliff. It was sideways on to the drop and was almost teetering. The girl had bailed out and the boy wanted to reverse out of there but needed help. He asked if I'd sit in the passenger seat to add a little ballast while he tried to back out. I said, "No, but I'll open the door and stand on the frame ... but if you start to go over the edge, I'm stepping off." He accepted that and we got him out.
First of all GREAT FAMILY PHOTO! Everyone looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing that. I'm kinda sorta agoraphogic too Didge. I'm always happiest at home. It's safer there. I've always been that way. If I"m inside anywhere I'm always by the nearest exit. In movie theaters I always sat on the aisle seat. Also I have acrophobia but a very strange kind. If I'm looking at a magazine and I turn the page and it is an aerial view of the ocean or any aerial view of anything my knees literally get weak. Fortunately I'm always sitting down so my legs don't buckle. It is a very strong physical reaction and very unpleasant. Above the 3rd floor I will not go out on a balcony. Knees buckle when I look down. So I avoid heights. Here's the weird part. In planes I prefer the window seat. There is no fear there when I look down. How can that be you ask? I have no idea. Thank you for sharing those experiences with us. I appreciate it a lot. You are brave and intrepid. They say the best way to conquer a fear is to face it. Not me. I avoid it. I guess I'm trepid. :)
This post was edited by RosieG at January 28, 2017 11:51 AM MST
Benedict Arnold 