Don't Bug Me

 

It is difficult to explain if you’re not the same.  I say that not knowing if I’m unique or not.  Maybe there are millions of people like this, I don’t know.

I tend to see the insect world through a magnifying glass.  Even with the smallest of bugs, I mentally see their tiny legs, and feelers and squishing them just seems cruel and heartless.  Consequently, I do not step on spiders or roaches, I don’t swat at moths or anything airborne.

For some reason, the exception to this are house flies.  Swatting them doesn’t bother me.  I don’t understand the justification for their existence, not that I should or need too.

If there is a name for this mental condition, I’ve not heard it, and I doubt there is a cure.  It’s just how I am wired.  To me, all creatures deserve to be left alone and enjoy their lives.  And I only go after house flies when they invade my space.  I don’t go hunting for them.

I guess those that do go hunting house flies, dress up with their camouflage clothes looking like potato salad, or dog poop.  I’ve not seen anyone like that in the neighborhood.

This entire condition may sound silly to some, but when you think – there are billions of insects all around us, I live my life woefully outnumbered.  It’s frightening that I could accidentally obliterate some innocent bug on its way home from a hard day at work.  Really, how would you feel, driving home from a day at the factory, looking forward to sitting around the dinner table with your family, when you suddenly see the bottom of a giant shoe coming down upon you from the sky?