and another thing.

it never ceases to amaze me that people tell me i'm negative as if i didn't know. as if it's a new thing, and i'm suddenly going to have a revelation and exclaim, "oh my god, you're right! i never realized; let's all be fake and cheery and secretly, stoically miserable together! boy, am i glad that you shared this. i care about you and want your company!" i can tell you exactly the look on my face every time i have this conversation, too. it is a look of slight incredulity and distaste that clearly says, "so leave. why are you still here talking at me like i value your opinion? no, really, go away. now." really, i hadn't noticed. thank you for pointing that out.