People tend to be over concerned of risks that they feel that they have no control over. This is why the very real risk of driving a car is considered acceptable, but the much lower risk from something like a random pesticide in food is seen as much worse than the risk warrants.<p>Someone like your wife (or husband) needs a way to feel like they are in control. This is hard to do with terrorism hence why it is effective is causing terror despite the absolute risks.