Aversion for Dummies

Aversion is a word that describes a strong feeling of not liking or wanting to avoid something. It's like when you have a food that you really, really don't like because it tastes bad to you, and you just want to avoid it at all costs. That feeling of not wanting to eat it, or even be near it, is a type of aversion. It's like a strong reaction of "Yuck, I don't want any part of that!"

But aversion isn't just about food. It can also refer to a feeling of not wanting to be around certain people or things because they make you feel uncomfortable or scared. It's like when you come across a creepy-looking bug or spider and you want to stay as far away from it as possible because it gives you the creeps. That's another example of aversion, where you have a strong dislike and want to avoid something.

Now, let's think about another situation that might help us understand aversion even more. Imagine you are in a room full of loud, chaotic noise, like a football game where everyone is cheering and screaming. But you are someone who prefers quiet and calm environments. In this situation, you might feel an aversion towards the noise and want to leave the room or find a place where it's quieter. That desire to escape from the noise and find a more peaceful place is also a form of aversion.

So, aversion is all about having a strong feeling of not wanting to be near, engage with, or experience something because it makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or just plain grossed out. It's like a big red stop sign that your mind puts up when it encounters something it doesn't like.

Remember, it's normal to have things that we feel aversion towards, and everyone has different things that they dislike or want to avoid. It's like having different tastes in food or different preferences for what we enjoy doing. It's important to recognize our own aversions and respect them, as well as understanding that other people might have their own aversions too.