In a message dated 7/5/01 12:25:07 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Me too.  I always thought I was just oversensitive till I read this
thread.  I knew about startle reflexes in theory, but I thought I was
doing something to exaggerate mine, and that they were something I
could control if I just tried hard enough.  I've been known to startle
even when I can see someone walk up to me, if I'm distracted by
something else at the same time.
 >>

A track coach of mine in high school used to fire a starter's pistol behind
me to see how high I would jump. Then one day I thought I would retun the
favor and waited for him with the starter's pistol. I knew nothing about
starter's pistol and pointed it directly at him as he came through the door.
When I pulled the trigger he received 2nd degree gun powder burns on his arm.
He was very angry, but could do nothing since
I did it as retribution and he could not tell anyone!!!