Bedtime Stories Part 3: Go Ahead and Scare Me

It‘s a pleasure to see you again, my readers.

After the month turned into October, most of the social media websites began preparation for Halloween. Most people started recommending best horror books, movies, best costumes and best pranks to scare other people. I saw countless lists of „Must see this October“ and „Remember the classic spooks“ and it got me thinking. Now I have a few friends who can‘t stand to watch horror movies, I‘m not a huge fan myself, but I enjoy watching horror games being played out and after the jump scares have a little laugh that I got frightened of something that is not real. And I talked to some horror movie enjoyers and they said the same: they like the suspense that something scary has to happen soon and jump from their couch when it happens. The thing is, even if only a few people like getting left in abandoned houses and forests, and most people who like horror genre wouldn‘t enjoy that, both groups are looking for spooks. Why?

I decided to investigate this a little bit, having my ghosts, my libraries and common knowledge at hand. The first reason I thought of is the rush of thrill. It happens right after the hero survives or the movie ends and the bad guy is caught. It is a very powerful feeling which brings a lot of endorphins and this is the happy hormone if you remember well. Of course, this happens not for everybody, but some people, especially those who like extremes and are always pushing themselves, they are searching for this feeling. When you are watching a movie, you kind of identify yourself with the main character and you feel the suspense the same as the character or when the bad guy is standing behind the hero’s back and he/she can’t see it. It makes you sit on the edge of your seat and just wait for what will happen next. If the so called “conflict” is resolved in a good way – the threat is avoided, you feel relief, and you get your breath back (because some people even hold their breath during scenes full of suspense). And this is a very good and pleasurable feeling. If the threat kills of the character some people go in denial, some people go in a bit of shock and this doesn’t usually bring such pleasurable feelings.

It also depends how are you watching the movie/playing the game/reading the book. If you are doing all of these scary things alone at night with a little light, chances are you will get more and more frightened by it. Because as we all know, darkness and being alone increases your imagination to kick in and OH MY DEAR WHAT WAS THAT IN THE CORNER? DID YOU SEE THAT? IT WAS RIGHT BEHIND YOU! NO?! HOW COULD YOU MISS THAT? and as I was saying your imagination can start creating things that are not there. Although, that ghost up there is real, so don’t doubt that one. Anyway, if you are seeking for horror genre with your friends, you are most probably going to end up less scared and having a better time as the fright fastens your heart rate and that means all emotions are processed faster. Something that might have been not funny before, now might seem like the funniest thing you have ever heard. This is probably why some people start laughing in stressful situations. Also, it’s because laughter is one of the defense mechanisms.

You should remember that not all people like scary movies or search for extremes. Most people enjoy living a safe ghostless and horror-free life. Some people might think it’s boring or impossible, but we have to remember that if people don’t like horror it’s not upon horror junkies to force them into horror. People like different things. Maybe your neighbor gets the same rush of emotion after planting a new flower as you after playing that horror game that you saw.

If people seek for horror and they like being scared, they might also differ in ways they like to be scared. Maybe someone can’t digest zombies because it reminds them some childhood toys, but enjoys watching a ghost story. It all depends. People are the weirdest beings on the planet and they like things how they like it. Sometimes scary movies or games can change the way people behave. After some movies people get angsty in locked rooms or maybe swimming in sea seems more dangerous than it was before. It’s all personal. I guess that’s why horror genre attracts people, it’s not only mysterious, but it’s a bit personal. We all had some horrible things happen but we went through. We all had those moments that were close. But we are here. And horror movies bring back that good adrenaline rush. If you can’t afford a parachute jump, you can just watch a horror movie and the effect might be similar.

So what are the plans for this week?

Monday is for exploring horror books. You don’t have to read all of them or any of them. Just check out who are the celebrated writers and why. Maybe you will find something to put on your list.

Tuesday is for horror games. You don’t have a horror game? Don’t like to play video games? Not good at playing video games? No problem – social media is full of people who film themselves while playing horror games. Explore the story, graphics and have a laugh at the screaming fellow.

Wednesday is for exploring the darkness. Check how long you can stay in a room with just a candle before you start seeing things from the corner of your eyes.

Thursday go on a rollercoaster. It might bring that adrenaline rush and make you feel great. If there is no rollercoaster around, gather up your friends and make a horror story evening. Everyone knows a good spook story. And it’s usually a real one.

Friday is for a horror movie. Choose an old one, those are interesting to watch because the skeletons are usually on wires and you can see the effects and the screams are hilarious. My friend who hates horror movies loves watching old horror movies because they don’t seem scary at all.

Saturday is for the movies with friends. Go to the cinema, sit in the dark and watch one of the new horror movies. Maybe you will even jump out of your seat.

Sunday is for having a horror free day. Relax. It is your day.

Get ready for a spooky horrifying week even if you don’t watch horror movies. But for now sleep tight. If you can.