Thanks okie. I do see the humour in it sometimes too. Even when I was at the mall the other night, I knew how ridiculous it was that I couldn't get near the escalator. It was like there was an invisible wall that I kept bumping into. I'd try to go near the escalator, get about 5 feet away from it, then BAM!, I'd hit the invisible wall, turn around and go in the other direction.

Thanks for the advice. I would have to tell someone how scared I am in order to get them to help me... and that's hard. The only person I can think of who I would feel safe enough with is my ex-boyfriend. I know he wouldn't judge me, so I might ask him if he'd be willing to tackle this with me. That's a good idea. When I was a little girl, I was scared of escalators and my grandpa used to hold my hand. He helped me get over the fear... but then it came back again so many years later... and grandpa's not here to help anymore.

P.S. I just realized that I was wearing high heels and carrying a very large briefcase/purse and numerous shopping bags while I was trying to make myself get on the escalator the other night. I think that was contributing to the unsteady feeling and fear. Perhaps I should wear flat shoes and not be encumbered by bags next time.