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The most interesting story I have found concerning giving blood was during a visit to the blood laboratory. The person spreading this bloody story entered the lab after me and sat in the only empty chair which was next to mine. An autonomous nod was the message from me and should have signaled a welcome to enter my space and sit down, however Frederick, as he became known did not respond.

I introduced myself and he mumbled that his name was Frederick.
"I have finally gotten up the nerve to come here for the blood, he murmured." "I do not like for them to take my blood."

"Cheer up, I said, it will all be over in a moment and we will be on our way". Frederick was trembling and it was obvious that he was truly worried about this removal of blood. I smiled and said, "Maybe you should try my method of taking blood tests as it really makes it easy". I seemed to have his full attention now and continued." "When I was in the army there were long lines for vaccination shots and I noticed that people approach this in different ways, some tense up their muscles as the needle is applied". "I reasoned that if one relaxed the muscles less damage would result when the needle entered and there would be less pain from the shot." "As I tried this I found that it was true." "I made this my rule number one, do not tense up muscles as the shot is given."

The next observation I had was that most people used what I called the Ostrich approach and they would always shut their eyes or look away prior to the needle being inserted. If one does this they have increased their anxiety in their mind and heightened nerve sensitivity. They are expectant of some pain from the needle and magnify the pain in their mind. In fact, the Ostrich technique of burying the head in the sand leaves some of your most vital parts exposed without any warning of approaching predators. Young girls are raised by listening to their mothers telling them that some of these parts should be under guard as they may get them their own doctor when they are grown ups. "And you know, Frederick, a mother's advice should prove true if anyone's does." I said.

Frederick's name was called for his turn to do the blood thing and as he glided by me he said "You have convinced me and I will try your methods this time". "Thank you", he said.

A good five minutes after Frederick had entered the room of the lab where blood was taken there came loud noises and shouting mixed with some squealing. Next, the blood lady burst from the door of the room screaming and holding her bloody neck as she exited the lab. Frederick emerged from the room with blood on his shirt and as he floated by on the way out he turned to me and said, "You were right this is definitely more exciting." "I made her watch and told her to relax this time."

I was so impressed that my advice was so excellent that I began to fantasize that Frederick literally flew out of the lab in his happy state and lived happily ever after.

Learn more about this author, Lou Rountree.
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