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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A sense of isolation. When you are alone, like in a big empty house or a deserted place, and something strange happens. It magnifies the scariness because there's no one to immediately turn to for help. For instance, if you are alone in the woods and hear a growl. You feel more vulnerable. In many short real - life scary stories, this isolation is key. It makes the reader or listener put themselves in that situation more easily and feel the fear more intensely.
Well, awkwardness can be really funny. Like the old lady trying to reach the cereal and a little kid coming to the rescue in a rather unorthodox way. Also, when people overreact or underreact in a situation. If the man in the coffee shop had just calmly let the cat walk on the keyboard without any fuss, it would have been equally funny. And of course, misunderstandings can create really humorous situations.
One element is selflessness. When someone does something for others without expecting anything in return, like a volunteer at a soup kitchen. Another is perseverance. For example, an athlete who overcomes many injuries to achieve their goals. Also, creativity can be an element. A person who comes up with a unique way to solve a community problem, such as creating a mobile library in an area with no library.
One element is the setting. Dark and isolated places like an old cemetery or a haunted house can be really scary. For example, a story set in a derelict asylum where the walls are crumbling and there are strange noises coming from the empty rooms. Another element is the unknown. When there are things that the characters (and the readers) can't explain, it creates fear. Like a strange figure that disappears when you look directly at it. Also, the use of suspense. If a story builds up tension slowly, for instance, by having a character hear footsteps getting closer and closer but not knowing what's causing them, it makes the story scarier.
One element is its appearance. For example, if a dog has matted fur, bloodshot eyes, and bared teeth, it immediately looks menacing. Another is its behavior. If it growls constantly, stalks people, or chases them without any obvious reason, that's scary. Also, the context matters. If the dog is in a spooky place like an old, abandoned building or a dark forest, it adds to the scariness.
One element is the element of hope. In a miracle real life story, like the one of a person recovering from an incurable disease, it gives hope to others in similar situations. Another is the unexpectedness. When something good happens out of the blue, like a lost family heirloom being found after decades, it makes people believe that good things can happen at any time.