The Right To Be Sad.

It occurred to me the other day that I have the right to be sad. As a matter of fact, at one time or another we all have the right to be sad. Now when you get right down to it there are many degrees of sadness. The one that is most looked down upon, the one that is most eschewed by the general public is the concept of feeling sorry for yourself. I believe that feeling sorry for yourself is a God given right. As a matter of fact I believe there should be a course taught in schools entitled "Sadness 101." I shall be the teacher. Of course there will be homework. And the first student who comes up to me and says, I'm sorry but I was too depressed last night to do my homework will get an "A." Yes! Tears and feelings of hopelessness can lead to something positive.

I'm also thinking of opening up a cafe for sad people. I will be the concierge at the front door. I will determine who gets in and who does not. You must convince me with an effective tale of woe. If I start to shed tears you will get the best table in the house. Everyone in my sad emporium will get their own table. There is no better way to experience sadness than to be alone. We will serve beverages but no alcohol. Just coffee, tea, soda or a fruit drink. The prices will be modest as we all know sad people have little or no money. If you can't pay your bill just come up to the cashier and sport a rueful eye. You will be allowed to exit with no questions asked.

If you would like to buy someone who is sitting at another table a drink, well that is permitted. It's done primarily to let someone know that you are in there because you are sad too. It's a way of telling the person at that other table that they are not alone. If they so choose they can wave you over to come sit with them or not. It's your choice. Every table will be equipped with a box of Kleenex and a small notepad with a pen. Doodling is encouraged. The purpose of this sad establishment is to let you know that you have a right to be sad. You have a right not to have any solutions to your problems. We will even have a picture on the wall of a tunnel that has a small light at the end of it. And if you stare at it long enough you will see that it is an oncoming train.

There is also one rule that every customer must follow. If you are caught smiling or laughing you will be asked to leave. There will be no judging of others and no displays of hate or physical violence. If you wish to stand and declare yourself a complete and total a-hole that is acceptable. Even encouraged. Staring into space with a blank look for a prolonged period of time will get you a free beverage. The point is if you leave the establishment feeling that you have accomplished absolutely nothing then it was worth the trip. Or maybe not. Maybe it was valuable to come in and sit down and share the experience of sheer and utter hopelessness. You didn't talk to anyone but you got the sense that there are others who have problems just like you do. And like you the answers just seem to be "out of reach." I have always fantasized about going to a public place, like a restaurant or a bar and proudly proclaiming in a loud voice, "Hello! My name is Curt and I'm sorry but I don't have any answers." And then someone gets up and says, "Neither do we, Curt. Come join us."

• The point is this. You have a right to be sad. You have a right to a sense of hopelessness. And when you spot that sadness in another's face, that look of hopelessness, maybe just maybe you can relate and in the process say or do something that will put a smile on their face. An act of kindness no matter how small can make all the difference. So don't feel too sad that you're feeling sad. It just might lead to making someone else feel a little less sad. Me? Just buy me a cup of coffee. I'll be your friend forever.