['I have an irrational fear of flying which I faced when I traveled 8 hours on a plane by myself', "Good for you! I'm glad you were able to face it by yourself. Where were you flying?", 'I was flying from Florida to Italy. I was terrified on the flight, but the destination was worth it.']
Cool! Was that your first time flying by yourself?
I have an irrational fear of flying, yet I planned a trip which required me to travel 8 hours in a plane by myself