I'm also an exception to that very good theory. I've always considered myself an extremely happy person and I've been very lucky in life. I grew with very supportive parents and a great group of friends, had a great experience in college, and was living at home and doing very well in grad school when the IBS hit. Granted, I have always been an anxious person, but it wasn't even an overly stressful part of my life when this began. As a matter of fact, I had just finished the semester and was relaxing for Christmas break. Although it did start right after I had my wisdom teeth removed, and my mom and I have both wondered if that could have somehow triggered it. I know my anxiety certainly does make things worse, though, there's no question about that. I agree that it's very interesting to look at the possible things we all have in common.
-------------------- "Anyone can exercise, but this kind of lethargy takes real discipline." -Garfield