I think you matured in how you deal with the negativness around you. I can't listen to other peoples rants too (not for long anyway). I've enough shit of my own. But this clinic I was in is all about speaking your mind and having other people listen to your stories so you can imagine how sick I was of constantly having to listen to other peoples negativeness. I never remember anything of those stories either because I just don't take them in.
I'm glad your trip to Ireland was awesome. I think, and I said this before, that a change of scenery would do you a world of good.

(((hugs))) Eddy