I have a very strong aversion to my ears being touched ... particularly if someone pulls on them or pulls them forward. I become angry and anxious immediately.

My husand would sometimes tease me but has realised it distresses and has since stopped.

I am very careful with the way that I sleep so that my ears aren't in any way "pressed" in the wrong direction when I sleep. (Sorry, didn't know how to explain that.)

Anyway, a few days ago, I was sitting and thinking about why this would be - I mean, it is a very strange aversion to have. And there it was - vividly remembered, something I must have been blocking ...........

I attended a pre-school / day care when I was about 3 to 4 years old. The day care teacher / care giver was a witch. I vividly remember her calling me up to some sort of stage, in front of all the other kids. She pulled me onto her lap, took out a pocket knife, pulled my ear forward and proceeded to "cut" my ear off because I wasn't listening. I remember screaming. I remember the other kids screaming.

Well, I guess that is the reason I can't bear my ears being touched today.

Along with these memories, some bare-bottom spanking memories of not only me but all the other kids too have rushed to the surface. She would pull our pants down in front of everyone, even when we were laying down to sleep. I remember lying perfectly still and having my pants yanked down and spanked. Not that that has anything to do with my ears, but it was the same care giver!

After all these years........... I was so little, I am surprised I even remember.

Thanks for letting me share.