cynicism (idea)

As John Fowles put it, " All cynicism masks a failure to cope." I tend to agree with this, although I believe it applies more to modern usage of negative attitudes rather than the historical movement. Often I find myself listening to my friends put forth cynical interpretations of their problems, usually feminine in origin, and I offer this quote, which usually precedes a swift kick to my stomach. I am joking of course, but also trying to demonstrate a point; it is true that cynicism is not a real coming to terms with a problem, (nor is irony for that matter; look at some of Kierkegaard's arguements with Schlegel), but it is also one of our culture's most accepted ways of attempting to do so, and is, in many cases, very healthy. How often do I come home and bitch, with all the cynical irony I can manage, about my job or any other problem I have? Often. I find it satisfying, even though it does mean I can't cope.