Here are my answers to Monica’s questions. I might have to add to these questions a little later, they were rushed in the end when I got sudden onset migraine 
1. Since we both have said we’d prefer to live surrounded by animals than by people, I have to ask, what do you like the most in people?
If you had asked me two years ago I would have struggled to find something I liked about people. I see things a little less cynically now, because of the people I have met since then. Empathy, selflessness, and the support that people (or some people) give to each other is always something I admire.
2. What do you hate the most in people?
Selfish desire to hurt people for their own amusement is one quality that some people. I don’t understand why one person would want to hurt another for their own amusement; it is illogical to me, that someone would get anything out of watching another person in pain (either mentally or physically).
3. When I tell someone I think he/she is the most amazing (or wonderful, or whatever) person I’ve ever known, it kills me to hear “Oh, I’m not so nice”, as if it was a burden. What can’t you hear that people often say? (Or, what can’t you bear that people often do?)
I think when people reply with an “Oh, I’m not so nice” it is bourn out of feelings of insecurity, which I possess myself. The problem here is insecurity is not a quality I admire in anybody, I find it difficult to deal with (again despite the fact I suffer this myself). Words and actions bourn out of feelings of insecurity are never attractive, I can’t stand it, I can’t deal with it and it leaves me feeling uncomfortable (and I might add hurt in some cases when feelings of insecurity has driven someone to undermine me and mine).
On a less judgmental note I hate people playing themselves down when they have no need to, me included.
4. What characteristics a real friend to you has to have?
My friends are all so different that it is difficult to summarise. But I tend to find myself associating with people who are humorous, easy going and have a passion for all things internet. A couple tend to be a little ‘outside the box’ and insane, but I don’t require that in a friend, it just happens we click. In a word there aren´t’ any characteristics a real friend has to have, except those qualities I admire in people, such as understanding, empathy, and a sense of the ridiculous.
5. What keeps you blogging?
Besides an incurable addiction to the internet and narcissistic tendencies then it would have to be the people I have ‘met’ through the blog that I would not have met otherwise. The world is smaller here in the blogosphere. I have met some amazing people through this blog, with whom I have shared some unforgettable moments. I’ve realised there are people out there who genuinely want to help others, be emotionally or otherwise, and together they have restored my faith in mankind. It sounds dramatic, but it´s true. You guys, the people on my Blogroll have in some way touched me, and helped me decide where and who I want to be, and that´s why I keep blogging.
When I first started this blog in March 2001 I was in a pretty low place. I was detached, cynical and fed up with almost everything life had to offer. My only reprieve was Dub, my horse. That all changed when I started my blog (and is this sounding the saddest thing you’ve ever read?!), especially the last year or so when I met some trully spectacular people from all over the world who helped me feel a part of something, and helped me to better understand where I am, where I’m going and more importantly how to express how I feel. The credit for the latter lies completely at Monica’s door.
