h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

...a few times-It's hard to get back up again. Well that's what I felt anyway-until I got my pet dog. I have to take him out at least two times a day-and even when I'm at my worst-I still have to take him. Because I know he needs to go out-I am less selfish than I was (if that's the right word) and I know no matter what-he has to go out, so in a hard way-I have gained a lot of confidence. Added to that, I am forced to be among people more than I ever was before-and I have learned to stand up for myself.

But I would never advise anyone to get a pet unless they were able to give 100% of the love and care a pet needs.

Nope, it can´t be easy getting back up again. It ain´t all a .
I think you make a valid point, Primord. I suppose such is life that won´t be all a bed of roses, and it´s a learning experience to take the rough with the smooth. Yet, I´d guess it´s how we cope with the heartaches & the disappointments that will help to make us more rounded & better qualified individuals. Remember these things are sent to try us. Certain things, like as in your case pet animals, can help you to reconnect with the world if you feel battered & bruised by your experiences. I know "Gloria Gaynor-I Will Survive" is a popular one with people as a pick me up & watching TV to note how people fight back against the relentless throes of society. I´m thinking here particularly of Kathleen Slater in EastEnders who, despite being knocked & ditched by the world, still showed her face undaunted. Moreover, helping to fill your day & give you a sense of meaning either by going to school/college or work, can make you feel better about yourself.
Just two more examples to illustrate how certain things can inspire & fill you with an inner strength to bounce back.

"If you can meet with Triumph & Disaster,
And treat those two imposters just the same."

"If you can make one heap of all your winning...
But never breath a word about your loss"
[Rudyard Kipling:"If"]

(There I go. Repeating literature now!)

yep-great points and quotes there Buzz

and not to sound too and y -the net and in particular the kind people at h2g2 have helped me through an unbelievably difficult time. I've been very isolated for a long time (due to losing confidence in people) but thanks to all you great guys on here-I feel as if there are wonderful people out there-the whole world over.

I hope all h2g2ers have a wonderful rewarding life, and I bless the day I was directed here by another net friend