Were you ever scared of spiders?
It’s quite normal for us to see people jolt and jump up whenever they see one of these notorious creepy crawlies.
It’s strange that we understand the fear but can’t seem to pinpoint the reason.
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Scientists and other experts say it’s an ancestral trauma or defensive reflex. Others say its appearance elicits fear.
Whatever the reason, have you ever stopped and thought, “what if the spider is afraid of me?”
Emily grew up hating spiders.
Agile lanky legs, oversized head, eight or so eyes, and hairy skin that seems itchy or prickly.
You can’t blame her or any of us who developed some sort of prejudiced apprehension.
But all of that changed when a little jumping spider came into her life. Especially when she found herself teaching it how to do a high-five.
Emily conceded to the fact that maybe this little thing was more afraid of her than she is of it.
A new friendship on the horizon.
Since then, when the spider came under her care, she’s made sure that Gretel was well-fed, sheltered, and got plenty of exercise.
She didn’t rush their relationship.
Every now and then, Gretel would walk up to her on a stick, trying to figure out who this giant of a person was.
On these days, Emily would stick a finger toward Gretel to show that she was not a threat.
Gretel didn’t know what to do at first.
She’d just approach Emily with caution and either scoot back to where she came from or stay in place.
Then, when she realized that Emily was there to take care of her, Gretel finally responded to the gesture that was being offered to her ever since.
Gretel reached out to Emily’s finger.
That day, the little jumping spider learned how to do a high-five.
With their non-verbal physical language under their belts, Gretel began staying close to Emily.
She would walk over and across her hand and fingers.
Sometimes, Emily would let her stay in her palm and put her under the warm rays of the sun.
But life is short for spiders like Gretel.
Emily sadly shared with the The Dodo that these types of spiders only last for a year or so in human age.
She also noticed that her beloved spider is beginning to slow down.
Emily’s making Gretel’s old age comfortable.
At one point, she cut off a small net-like fabric so she could give Gretel an easier time climbing inside her enclosure.
Sadly, she passed away but we know that she lived a life of love and comfort.
It was difficult for Emily because it felt like it was too soon.
They were just starting to be comfortable around each other.
Gretel wouldn’t be her last spider.
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When she logged onto her social media account, she found tons and tons of messages and comments.
They were saying that thanks to Emily, they have overcome their fear of spiders.
And while the adorable high-fiving Gretel is long gone, Emily has since taken care of other spiders which you can see on her Instagram account.
See Gretel hi-five her favorite human in the video below!
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