What fears might be called universal?

Some common fears or anxieties that might be considered universal include:

1. Fear of heights: Also known as acrophobia, this is the fear of being in high places or at great heights. It is one of the most common phobias and can be triggered by situations like climbing a ladder or being on a tall building.

2. Fear of confined spaces: Claustrophobia is the fear of being in a confined or narrow space, such as an elevator or a small room. This phobia can cause significant distress and anxiety in situations where escape or movement may feel limited.

3. Fear of spiders and insects: Arachnophobia and entomophobia are the fears of spiders and insects, respectively. These phobias can range in severity and can be triggered even by the sight or thought of these creatures.

4. Fear of social situations: Social anxiety or social phobia involves intense anxiety or fear of being judged or scrutinized in social settings. This fear can make it difficult to participate in social activities and interact with others.

5. Fear of failure: This is the fear of not meeting one's own expectations or the expectations of others. It can lead to procrastination, avoidance of challenges, and excessive worry about potential failures.

6. Fear of abandonment or rejection: This fear involves the worry about being left alone, abandoned, or rejected by important people or groups in one's life. It can be rooted in childhood experiences and significantly impact a person's relationships.

7. Fear of public speaking: Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is a common anxiety that can cause significant distress and avoidance of situations involving speaking in front of an audience.

8. Fear of intimacy: This refers to the fear of emotional or physical intimacy in romantic relationships. It can include fears of rejection, vulnerability, or losing one's sense of self in a relationship.

9. Fear of death or dying: Thanatophobia, or the fear of death, is a natural and universal fear that varies in intensity among individuals. It can be related to the unknown, the finality of death, or the process of dying itself.

10. Fear of the unknown or the uncertain: This fear can encompass various uncertainties and unpredictability in life. It is the worry about what might happen in the future or the anxiety associated with not having control over certain situations or outcomes.

These fears are common across cultures and individuals and can vary in intensity and severity. It is important to note that fear or anxiety becomes problematic when it significantly interferes with a person's daily life, well-being, and ability to function.