I do not believe in the supernatural, magic, ghosts or anything like that. However, I can be very superstitious about tempting fate and won’t make jokes or flippant remarks that could be interpretted as such.
For example, my partner made a dark joke about how she’d rather have cancer than such and such. I begged her not to say such things, not because the thought of her having cancer upset me (although it did), but because it feels as if saying stuff like that could make it happen.
I have a fear of heights. In fear, I go back to what I was taught during childhood. I pray to God to save me even though I’m an agnostic now.
Does that count as a superstition?
Good question. I also share a fear of heights, and although heights can be dangerous, having to stand 5 feet behind the overlook railing is just as unreasonable as avoiding black cats.
noo, actually, it makes sense evolutionarily. on high mountains and near cliffs and such, the winds can be unexpectedly strong. one moment you’re standing perfectly still 1 feet from the cliff, the next moment you fall over because the wind is pushing you. it’s really unexpected.
My fear of heights kind of makes sense – heights make me lightheaded, even woozy. If I were to suddenly faint I might fall to my death. Having that thought when I’m near a high ledge makes me lightheaded, even woozy