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The idea of living in a house believed to be haunted often brings to mind eerie images from horror films—think malevolent spirits and frightful visions. However, many who have encountered supernatural phenomena report experiences that, while unsettling, might not be as dramatic as cinematic portrayals suggest.
Chelsea Smith’s experience in her family’s rental home in Palmdale, California, in the spring of 1997 began on an ominous note. At just seven years old, Chelsea felt an immediate disdain for the house, recalling unsettling incidents that left her shaken. She often perceived shadows and heard the doors of the shared Jack-and-Jill bathroom with her sister, Courtney, slamming shut. Courtney corroborates these claims, recalling instances where the television and faucets would inexplicably turn on by themselves. One particularly alarming episode occurred when Chelsea entered the house alone while the family was gathered outside by the pool. As she made her way to leave, she found the sliding glass door she had propped open securely closed and locked. Despite these unsettling occurrences, their parents attributed the oddities to shadows and temperature changes rather than the supernatural.
Addressing the issue of suspected hauntings can be more complex than dealing with routine household problems. While most individuals can accept the existence of bedbugs or other pests, the same cannot be said about belief in ghosts. A 2021 YouGov survey revealed that 41% of Americans hold the belief that ghosts exist, with around 20% claiming to have had a personal encounter. Jane Phillips, who serves as a paranormal investigator and psychic medium, notes that typical indicators of paranormal activity include unexplained noises, sightings of dark shadows, and feelings of discomfort.
MacKenzie Koncher, a cofounder of XX Paranormal Communications, an all-female paranormal investigation team based in Colorado, describes common sensations reported by individuals—including feelings of being observed or the impression that another presence is nearby. “We often hear stories about objects moving mysteriously,” Koncher says, adding, “People frequently report that a picture keeps falling from the wall, no matter how often they rehang it.” Christine Hendrickson, another investigator with the team, observes that children might have a heightened sensitivity to these experiences.
A pivotal event that caused Chelsea and Courtney’s parents to reconsider their living situation in the haunted house occurred when five-year-old Courtney had a disconcerting episode post-shower. “My mom said my expression just went blank, and I kept repeating, ‘I don’t want to die, but I know I have to,’” Courtney recounted. “Then, as suddenly as it started, I snapped back to normal and had no recollection of what I had just said.” Following this incident, the family, who had originally planned to purchase the house, decided to move out. Chelsea humorously noted, “This is how you know that Courtney was the favorite child; I had been insisting for almost a year that the house was haunted!” While the Smith family felt compelled to leave their supernatural encounters behind, experts suggest several strategies before resorting to relocation.
Coexisting with the Unknown
Initially, individuals may feel compelled to confront a ghostly presence head-on. However, Koncher advises a more reflective approach, urging those experiencing supernatural occurrences to determine whether the presence feels threatening. “I would encourage individuals to assess their level of discomfort,” she explains. “It’s essential to consider if the experience feels negative, or if it’s something you could potentially coexist with peacefully.”
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