Re: ...is this strange?
I suffer social phobia and although I don't have this particular phobia, many social phobia sufferers do. As to the words the only thing I can think of is visualizing what you fear can often cause an anxious reaction. So the words might offer a strong enough link to create a similar reaction. I would disagree about it being a food phobia. There are food phobia's and the people who have them can't eat that type of food if they are being observed or not. The key is the being observed part which is what makes it a social phobia. As most social phobias are fears of being observed.
All the best
John
__________________
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.
From the book Dune by Frank Herbert