So your friends bailed on rom-com movie night and somehow convinced you to go to a haunted house instead. Total nightmare, right? If you’re the friend who jumps at every loud noise, you’re probably already dreading the jump scares, creepy clowns, and whatever else is lurking in the dark. But don’t freak out just yet! With these solid tips, you can totally survive a haunted house without having a full-on panic attack. Here’s what every scaredy-cat should know!
Bring the Right People
First, your squad is everything. You absolutely want to go with friends who get that you’re nervous and who aren’t going to be mean about it. They can act as your personal bodyguards, laugh with you when you scream, and hold your hand when things get extra spooky. Plus, going with a bigger group means you can stick to the middle of the pack, using your friends as human shields. It’s a legit strategy.
Know What You’re Getting Into
Do a quick Google search on the haunted house. Check out its website or social media to see the theme, scare level, and any specific warnings. Some places are super intense with gore and actors who can touch you, while others are more about psychological thrills. Knowing the vibe helps you mentally prepare for what’s ahead.
You can also just read up on haunted houses in general. After all, they’re technically just immersive theater productions. Everything from gory sets to spooky sound design in haunted houses is fake—even though it might not feel like that when you’re getting chased by a clown with a plastic chainsaw. It’s just important to remember that the experience is one giant production, and you are actually safe throughout.
Master the Pro Survival Moves
Here’s what to do once you’re inside the creepy maze:
- Focus on the exit. Keep your eyes on the path forward and remind yourself that there’s an end. Every step gets you closer to the glorious, non-scary outside world.
- Laugh it off. When something makes you jump, try laughing instead of screaming. It tricks your brain into thinking you’re having fun and not, you know, about to be eaten by a zombie.
- Appreciate the art. Again, remember that everything is fake. The blood is corn syrup, the monsters are actors in makeup, and the spooky sounds are just speakers. Admiring the work that went into it can pull you out of the fear.
You Made It!
Woo-hoo! You used these scaredy-cat tips, and you survived a haunted house! Now you have major bragging rights. Plus, going through something scary like this with your friends can actually be a pretty epic bonding experience. Hopefully, you end up having a great time and gain the confidence that you can face your fears and live to tell the tale.
