Betrayal can also be a key element. Imagine a love story where one person is cheating on the other, but not just in a normal way. They are involved with something really dark, like a cult. The other person slowly discovers the truth and realizes they are in danger. It's scary because it shatters the trust that love is supposed to be built on. And it also brings in the threat of something much worse than just a broken heart.
One element is the unknown. For example, in a story where one partner seems to have a secret past that they won't share, and there are strange events related to it. It creates a sense of unease and fear. Like if a new lover has a locked room in their house that they never let you enter, and you hear strange noises coming from it.
One element is the unknown. For example, if something strange is happening but you can't figure out what it is, like strange noises at night without an obvious source. Another is isolation. When a person is alone in a spooky place, like a big empty house or a deserted forest, it adds to the scariness. And also the sense of being watched. If you feel like there are eyes on you but you can't see anyone, it can be really terrifying.
One element is a feeling of being watched. When you get that creepy sensation that someone or something has its eyes on you, but you can't see what it is. It's very unsettling. Danger also plays a part. If you're in a situation where you feel your safety is at risk, like being lost in a dangerous neighborhood at night. And the element of the supernatural. Even if you're not a superstitious person, when something seems to defy the laws of nature, it can be really scary. For instance, lights flickering without any electrical problems.
Unusual events that seem to defy explanation can make a real life story scary. Take the case of objects moving on their own in a house. There's no logical reason for it, and it gives people the creeps. Another element is the feeling of being watched when there's no one around.
The unknown. When there are things that can't be explained, like strange noises in an empty house. For example, if you hear creaking floors but no one is there. Also, a sense of being watched. It gives you the feeling that there's something there that you can't see. And apparitions, like seeing a figure out of the corner of your eye that vanishes when you look directly at it.
A sense of impending doom is a great element too. If the characters in the story keep getting signs that something bad is going to happen, like in a story where a family keeps finding dead birds on their doorstep before a series of strange events start to occur. This makes the readers or listeners feel on edge and scared.
A key element is the build-up of tension and suspense. When you don't know what's coming next, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The unexpectedness also plays a role. If a smiley suddenly changes its expression or appears in a place where it shouldn't be. Say, in a derelict building where you expect only gloom and then you see a bright, but somehow wrong - looking smiley. It gives a sense of unease and fear. Another aspect could be the color. A bright, vivid smiley in a very dull and dreary, maybe blood - stained setting can be really creepy.
One important element is support. In a great love story, like that of Jack and Rose, they support each other's dreams. Rose supported Jack's art career. Another is the little things. Simple acts of kindness, like Mike helping Emma with the snow. These small things add up and create a deep connection. And of course, there's the feeling of 'home' that they give each other. When they are together, they feel like they belong, which is a very special part of a real love story.
The sense of helplessness also plays a role. In some real - life creepy stories, the victims can't seem to do anything to stop the strange occurrences. For instance, the Bell Witch victims tried various things to get rid of the entity but it kept coming back, which is really terrifying.
Suspense is key. For example, in a story where a character is being followed, not revealing who or what is following right away keeps the reader or listener on edge. Another element is the unknown. If there are strange noises or events that have no immediate explanation, it scares people. Like in a haunted house story, when doors close by themselves or cold spots appear without reason.