We work off our experiences, and our expectations. I have struggled these last few years, and it's easy (if your not careful) to entertain thoughts that are, shall we say, less than hopeful -- life doesn't go how one "expects" it should. Life will turn on you, but it'll turn either way -- the worst of misfortunes can turn into the best of circumstances -- if you hang in there.
Squall's gotta work out where he's at, just as I do, just as each of us do. At this point, I have to change my screen name to Captain Obvious.
Part of it is our society, and I'm being cheap, here, but I'm partially right. Don't have a cell phone? Not cool. Does your cell phone have television? Cool. Stop and smell the roses, appreciate the little things? Not cool. Have attitude? (Excuse me, 'tude?) Cool. If you're fortunate to have family, that's good, but admit fear, failure, and loss with most people, and see how far you get...