The only time in our lives when we don’t look forward to Friday might be when it happens to land on the 13^th of the month. Friday the 13^th will occur once this calendar year, in June, which is fortunate for the 17 to 21 million Americans who admit to being afraid of the day. That statistic, gathered by the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, establishes Friday the 13^th as the most feared day and date in recorded history.

So where did this fear come from? It’s not entirely clear where the superstition began, although our historical perception of Friday as an unlucky day and 13 as an unlucky number probably didn’t help. An intense fear of this specific day is known as friggatriskaidekaphobia, a word I’m more afraid of than the day itself.

The upcoming 13^th might cause those who believe in the superstition to curl up in bed and avoid the world entirely. But for those of you who scoff at superstition, here are some things you might try this Friday the 13^th (if you can handle tempting fate and the shocked stares of those around you):

Open an umbrella inside – you might have trouble squeezing through doorframes, but that’s a risk you’ll have to take.

Hand someone an empty wallet – though this is thought to bring bad luck, it’s also guaranteed to confuse the recipient, so be mindful.

Trip over a black cat – but make sure no feline friends are injured as you defy this superstition.

Spill salt everywhere – the floor, your desk, the laps of others; no place should be safe.

Schedule a haircut and a nail appointment – legend says cutting your hair or nails on a Friday is bad luck, so why not go ahead and do both?

Have a party with 13 guests – don’t forget to offer some refreshments (this isn’t to avoid bad luck, it’s just good party etiquette).

Whether you buy into the ideas surrounding Friday the 13^th or not, it’s undoubtedly a day that brings a little more excitement into our lives. Plus, just think, if you can get through it unharmed, you’ll have the whole weekend ahead of you to celebrate your good fortune!  As always we are here for you.  Feel free to contact us whenever we can be of service to you, your family or your friends!