Dear John,

Life is lived in the singular---we should know what we want
and what to reject/avoid. We are alone, ever alone--not in existential angst but cannot escape the onslaught of destiny, life's suffering
and, also to some extent, the malice of the world. We adapt and we accept--the journey and meaning or lack of meaning is ours--ours alone.  Happiness is subjective and definable only by our own self-
we never need to envy or copy others'. Some trust we must have in others, but excessive could be ruinous--this is confirmed by my past experience.

I am the cynic you have discovered but it's also healthy and makes me stronger-but I don't think I am a misanthrope. We don't belong to others but to our self, in the last analysis.

Am I happy? Yes, in an over-average measure--cynicism doesn't destroy happiness--it's a survival tool.

You said I was a pessimist--yes, I am but pessimistic people can also find their peace of mind and happiness as the optimists. We are all different and choose the path that bests suits us.

I am truly surprised that I have more friends and acquaintances than I could count despite the person I am and the way I manifest myself in my contacts with others.  One should have friends or live in isolation and loneliness but has to choose wisely--true friendship
is hard to find and one who dares say so-and-so is MY BEST FRIEND runs a great risk as human nature is inherently selfish and often unforgiving.  I don't run away but am ever-circumspect.
Friendship, apart from sincerity and honesty, must have this basic
quality---CONSISTENCY--but how many of us, even with the will and intention, could succeed in this? Thus, I conclude: be a realist not an idealist.

Congratulations-
you are an optimist.  Continue to be so--be happy-celebrate life.

Yours pessimistically
P