I don't think it's that simple. You pose the issue as if it's a rational decision. There is no rational decision in your brains choice to make you fear public

I don't think it's that simple. You pose the issue as if it's a rational decision. There is no rational decision in your brains choice to make you fear public speaking or fear heights. I think avoiding sensitive questions is largely the same thing. Many people have an irrational fear and their excuse (while semi legitimate) is to try to rationalize the whole thing as you have.