heheheh well, I know one guy that quit conversing with me once he found out I had a PhD too! So you get that too. Hmm... wondering what you meant by his cronies... certainly not all ppl with PhDs are cronies? lol

yes there are many prejudices out there. I find myself gravitating towards those with degrees because 1) I bore other ppl for long conversations 2) they can keep me attentive with their information, again for the long haul.

I have great satisfaction speaking with everyone along my way ( on a decent day and time) but really only for short conversations... (and I learn from all ppl too...)

It isn't the degree that counts, it's what you do with it, and how you "hold" it that counts. In my travels I have met many a degreed person that I wouldn't want to give the time of day, and conversely I have met many knowledgeable, interesting, personable ppl who never saw college.

Now back to the original... I am not well, but am usually healthy. I find non-ill ppl are easier to be around... and those who are not so healthy more stressful to be around... but then, I'm a sensitive, so?