Foolish contemplation

In terms of human emotions and responses, fear is known to be critical. It is essential for our survival, triggering the 'ole "fight or flight" response. Scientists say that fear is both a hard-wired, biological response as well as a conditioned response. Either way, fear is important. It is good. However, the Hubby seems to have a fear gene or two missing. I have known him for seven (gulp!) years and I honestly don't think he is afraid of anything including (and I think this is a list of top /common fears):

• heights
• small places
• spiders
• precarious walkways
• public speaking
• hitchhikers

Outside of public speaking, all of the above could certainly result in sudden death. However, he is not phased. This is particularly troublesome as we live in an area with lots of high places (aka mountains), lots of small places (aka caves), lots of spiders (aka livin' in the country), precarious walkways (aka paths leading up / down said mountains) and lots of hitchhikers (aka a major highway in the middle of a rural area). Watching him leap and bound up sheer cliffs does no good for my heart or my palms which sweat profusely. However, my conversations with the Hubby feel nagging and make him feel frustrated and caged by the ball and chain. Meanwhile, he goes on his adventures and I - quite literally - pace and sit nervously contemplating the worst but praying for the best. Pictures of others strapped in on a rappel while the Hubby free-climbs down a vertical cliff give my heart absolutely no peace. Seeing him stand on few inches from a thousand foot drop also does not give me encouragement. Friends who I think are bold make comments that imply certain adventures border on certain stupidity.

I love and admire his sense of adventure, but at what point does a sense of adventure become sheer foolishness?