Oh, Peter T, I loved the "Four Humours" explanation. I don't believe much of anything, but I find plenty very interesting. I had developed a personal theory that the showers and baths were important to me because I have a Pisces ascendant, and I don't even believe in astrology. so you see, I'll take shelter in any old theory in a storm.

And yes, the "It's not personal" thing.... on the one hand, I know that. I mean, we all have our personal pathologies and we just do this weird irrational crap sometimes, driven by whatever ghosts and compulsions happen to be the chauffeur that particular day. But still, over there, in the other person's experience, it feels exquisitely personal when, in the course of about two minutes, you do something that alters their entire future. I'm not arguing that maybe it was best, or will be ultimately, that my future be altered in that way. The Kat (that means me, not katlaughing, although she's welcome to apply it if the shoe fits) always lands on her feet -- but sometimes she does some mad scrambling midair. This is especially true when the rug unceremoniously gets yanked from under oneself.

And by the way, Fair Youngmaiden, I wouldn't get too weirded out about the "cults" thing. You're a smart and perceptive young woman, seems to me. Just pay attention to any quivering of the antennae on your B.S. detector and you'll be just peachy.

KC