He wants to dive so badly, but son (14) and I are scared. We wouldn't stand in his way, but he wants to get certified so he can dive on our cruise in January. I don't want him to because that will be a whole day the three of us will be apart on the cruise.

I think my son would like it if he tried it. Unfortunately we can only try it (take the classes) in a murky lake (scary) or a swimming pool (boring). We've been snorkeling, and we all like that. (Son only in a clear river, though, not in the ocean.)

I can't watch TV shows that are about sharks or other things under the sea. I don't eat fish or seafood. I don't care much for aquariums for the same reason, although I can go in them and enjoy my son enjoying them. It creeps me out. Putting my body where I can't fully use all my senses to protect myself creeps me out. Hubby wants to dive in caves and stuff where a giant squid might be hiding! Son and I--NOT. lol.

Snorkeling doesn't have the same effect on me because the water is shallow and I can see what's around me, and usually I can just stand up. I'm not afraid of water in general and grew up with a pool and have been a swimmer since I was 4. I kayak, and water ski, too, but I don't like being out there in the water by myself while the boat comes back.

Since you opened this thread, I thought I'd post and see if anyone had any advice for this situation. I know that things are not always as bad as they seem. I'm perfectly content with never learning to dive. I'd like for my son to try it, though. I think he's less scared than me. I think he and dad would enjoy it together.

I'm happy you enjoy it so much. There's nothing like "knowing" you're where you're supposed to be. I feel that way around water, too, but not UNDER it. lol.

Karen