Re: Relationships and Pain (a rant)

Dissident,

What has always kept me going is this: When one door becomes closed, another opens somewhere. Always.

How very poignantly you portray themes of human experience and emotion that writers, artists, actors, have been inspired by for thousands of years. While you suggest maybe some of us exclusive peds are "lucky" in a sense -- I think that it is better to be able to experience romance, even if for a brief time, even if followed by the pain of loss. "Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all" is a cliche, but one that rings true for me.

I'm an atheist, but not at all offended by your mention of higher powers and fate. I take the pragmatic view that any belief (one which guides a person's feelings and helps him or her understand and relate to deep and fundamental questions at the center of human experience) can be a good thing.

Take care, friend

-Can.