Misery, my friends, loves company. And that's why when one of us is miserable, we tell another. And when the other hears of our misery, they start off with how the exact same thing has happened to them or to their father's sisters' son's friends Ma-in-law!

What is it that makes us share our misery with other people?Ok...maybe misery is a hard word, but then what is the sorrow or pain - real (headache and sore eyes from crying all night) or imaginary (heartache - come to think of it, the only time my heart aches, i should be beating the door down for the hospital...it would be a heart attack, wouldn't it?) - if not misery?

So, back to what is it that makes us share our misery with others? The need to be heard? The need to be sympathised with (oh poor you!)?The need to have someone tell us - 'oh it's not your fault, it's all external mechanisms that are responsible for your situation. You're only the victim.'?

Now don't think i'm being condescending. I've been there done that. All of what I've said above comes from pure experience. My phone bills are proof of that. One of my best friends lives in one of the country and the other lives in the other corner of the earth. And everytime I'm miserable, I call them up and speak to them, pouring my heart out to them - making them miserable in the bargain if you'd notice. So that's another aspect of "misery loves company" - you share your misery and they're going through the agony of why doesn't (s)he shut up?!?

Strangely though, if you're miserable and I lend you a patient ear and then make some tutting and cooing sounds to soothe you, i'll be called compassionate and caring and understanding.

I should know. I've been recognised for that sort of thing.

So, it's not only company that misery loves. It brings you awards too!