I used to think slime was gross and nasty. I remember Saturday morning cartoons with the hungry slobbering cat always trying to outsmart the sneaky mouse. Even though it was a cartoon, cat drool always irked me a bit.

Back then, I couldn’t possibly imagine being covered head-to-toe in slime. During our family vacation to Florida, I was going to stop by the Nickelodeon Studios and experience being slimed, but we ran out of time. Looking back on it now, I probably would have had more fun playing with slime than enduring some ho-hum animatronics.

I finally developed a love of slime when my middle school selected me to go to a science fun day at one of our local colleges. Of course, they had a seminar/lab on polymers and how to make slime. As the professor lobbed the bright green goo on the wall and it slowly oozed down, I realized the potential fun factor of something sticky to throw at my brother.

Ick! Fear of Slime

Some people have an intense, morbid fear of slime which is known as blennophobia (also known as myxophobia). Blennophobics may also be afraid of getting slimed (slime being thrown on them). Slime can be any kind of sticky substance or mucous such as slug or snail slime. This phobia is common in those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and / or schizophrenia.

Interesting and ironic fact: Marc Summers, host of Double Dare (an extremely messy TV show involving slime), has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Hosting Double Dare helped him to deal with his OCD and participate in messy situations.

Symptoms of Blennophobia

• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Shortness of breath
• Heavy breathing
• Sweating

Treatment for Blennophobia

• Acceptance or awareness of the phobia is important in moving forward and overcoming your fear.
• Reassure yourself that everything will be ok when you encounter slime.
• Be confident and open to getting past your fear.
• Think about the gooey stuff and record your reaction.
• Say the word “slime” quietly and then louder and louder in a happy tone.
• Find a picture of slime and write down your thoughts.
• Watch the entire Ghostbusters series.
• When you’re ready, face your fear and make some slime. Stick it in the container and touch it. Throw it against the wall and watch it slink down. Have fun with your slime.

Homemade Slime Recipe

Things you need:

• Borax powder
• Water
• 4 oz. (120 ml) white glue (Elmer’s)
• Teaspoon
• Bowl
• Jar or measuring cup
• Food coloring (optional)
• Measuring cup

Instructions:

1. Pour the glue into the jar.
2. Add ½ cup of water into your jar.
3. Add food coloring. I like the traditional green, but you can add any color. If you don’t want colored slime it will white.
4. In another bowl, mix one cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of borax powder.
5. Slowly stir the glue mixture into the bowl of borax solution.
6. Place the slime into your hands and knead until it feels dry. It’s ok if there is some water in the bowl.
7. Your slime will become firmer and less sticky the more your play with it.
8. Throw it, stretch it, and play with it!
9. To avoid mold, keep your slime in a zip-lock bag in your fridge.

WARNING:

1. Do not eat the slime! It is not toxic, but it isn’t good for you!
2. Soak dried slime with water to remove.

–Nolan

Do you have any remedies for a phobia? Comment and tell us about it!

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