- Hello. I'm Becky. I'm 32 years old. And I'm afraid of the dark. Not sure why. Didn't grow up in a emotional/physical horror of a household. Not exposed to a ton of violence. Always knew what was real and what wasn't. Knew what death was at a very young age. I know that nothing is in my room that didn't walk through the front door. And yet at night I HAVE to have nightlights. Scattered throughout the house. If we stay in a hotel? I leave the bathroom light on. There's nights I've woke up in a sheer panic and have had to turn on a lamp to sleep by. Thank goodness Mr takes it all in stride. Unfortunately for him, I still have nights when I wake up screaming. Some nights more than once. Some nights not at all. And I usually don't even have memories of that happening. It's something I've done all my life.
- I've made 12 steps with helping me deal with my friendly bedroom Boogeyman.
Step 1 - The shadows are scary in my closet. And under my bed. - Step 2 - The nightlight helps out a lot.
- Step 3 - If I lay facing the door I don't get as worried about things sneaking up on me.
- Step 4 - It also helps to double check under the bed, in the closet, and dresser drawers
- Step 5 - I know that boogeymen aren't entirely real
- Step 6 - If he promises to stop picking on me, I'll pretend he's not real
- Step 7 - I will let him run rampant in my room during the day, if he'll let me sleep in it at night
- Step 8 - My teddy bear, kitty cat, and imagination would also appreciate if Mr Boogeyman will sign the agreement in writing
- Step 9 - I will bring him a bowl of chocolate, once a week, and leave it under my bed.
- Step 10 - I will try and not pass out in shock and fear in the morning when I see the chocolate has been devoured.
- Step 11 - I will cut back from three nightlights to one.
- Step 11.5 - I will try and read less scary books right before bed
- Step 12 - I will pass on the agreement to others. So they can get along with their friendly neighborhood Boogeyman too.
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