Yes, you cannot be lonely with a ferret, but keep in mind that the ferret is a relatively recent arrival in my life. Also, while the ferret keeps me company and helps me meet new people, but hasn't made finding a girlfriend any easier. Even if a stunningly attractive girl starts chatting to you as a result of seeing your ferret, you still need to work up the courage to convey your interest in her and/or ask her out, and later to establish some sort of relationship with her that isn't based soley on discussion of the ferret. (On the other hand, "Nice ferret; wanna fuck?" would be a much-welcome shortcut at times. :) )

You talk about withdrawing and hiding and giving up; keep in mind who you're talking to: I am the undisputed king of withdrawing and hiding and giving up. I have had a paper published in an internationally distributed, peer-reviewed scientific journal setting out my reasons for withdrawing, hiding, and giving up. I have essentially announced to the whole world that I am never going to have a girlfriend, and that I'm not even going to bother trying any more. Doing so in such a humorous and public way has probably made the decision more bearable, but it doesn't make me feel any less lonely.

Anyway, I'm on a training course at Moorgate today until 17:00, after which I will be heading directly to the Pembury (sans ferret). Hope to see you there.