Maybe, though, with time, you could cultivate some friendships that could help with sad times.

I hear what you are saying Johanna but for some of us it's hard enough to make friends, let alone share sad times with them. I have no best friends up here at all, but I do have acquaintances and believe me, they are the last people I would want to share sad times with. They know nothing of my life save where I work and that I have a cat. Oh yes, when it comes to sharing their bad times or just whining, I'm the first one they dump on but believe me, I will not reciprocate.

Now, and thanks to Pet Talk, I do have a few people I feel comfortable enough to send an email to and just put it all out on the table and get feedback. I feel very fortunate and blessed. Jen, I know how hard it is to reach out, especially to someone you have not met, but I will always be here for you if you ever want to just "spew", fire away. I'll be here to listen and understand.