Re: harmful intent of noise-makers

[Guest guest]

Yes, I can relate. It feels like we're being abused, so of course we feel that the person making the noise is being punitive or threatening. It's that whole fight of flight response we have to trigger sounds. I've always felt that we're similar to animals living in the wild, who have to be alert to predators. From: tazzmainiandevils

To: Soundsensitivity Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 1:09 PM Subject: harmful intent of noise-makers

Besides seeing the noise itself as a threat, I'm beginning to notice perceiving the person making noise: a deliberate perpetrator of sorts. For example, yesterday I was walking into a store and a dainty woman was pushing a large utility cart toward the entrance. It was loud as thunder. I felt as though this booming noise was being directed toward me specifically--like a weapon. Even though she was coming from far away, and other employees were standing nearby, I felt like it was my responsibility to help her (even though it felt like she was a monster was coming after me and I was afraid). Later, whenever I heard the cart moving through the store, I felt afraid again, like this woman was using this cart to intentionally, psychologically (and potentially physically) harm ME.

Another example was at a cafe, a clerk was loudly sorting change. She didn't look angry --but I felt the sound of the pounding coins were angry -and directed at me.

I'm pretty sure these noises aren't directed at intentionally harming me but sometimes it feels like people (strangers!) are using noise as a deliberate attack. I'm just starting to notice this. Can anyone else relate to this?