A theory

[Warpy]

9. If there is an animal in residence

whether it's a dog, cat, or guinea pig, it will be in our laps. We find animals comforting in social situations and it's mutual.

I was a nurse. I went into that instead of writing code because I'm the type of person that other people like to spill their guts to, my eyes glazing over but they don't care. That was very useful to me when I was a nurse and I don't think sociable people find too many other people who actually listen to them.

My best friend is one of those very charismatic people but I was the one who got the goods. I can't say I faded into the woodwork. The critters knew I was there, and so did anyone who needed a sympathetic person to talk to.