The Game

All right, this is how we will play. 

I'm not much of a card player, but the metaphor was too deliciously apt. Let's suppose that every card has its ranking from top (best) to bottom (worst). For example: Aces are top and the 2 is bottom. 

Ace
King
Queen
Jack
10 ... down to 2 huhu

For suits, from top to bottom: 

Spades
Hearts
Diamonds
Clubs

Each situation in these stories will be symbolized as a single card deal to add to a card or set of cards you already hold. The situation's outcome is the hand you have after the card is dealt.

The first card

The first card is 'Dealt', which tells you if the thing that happened was good or bad, and to what level.

An Ace of Spades is the best.thing.ever, like falling in love, or winning a million dollars free of tax and hangers on.

best.thing.ever.

A Two of Clubs is just about rock bottom (let's not give examples)

rock bottom

Everything else in between are different levels of yayy, fuck that, and meh.

pretty great!

meh

The second card/s

Let's say you were dealt a 2 of clubs (worst.thing.ever.), but in your hand you had a 2 of spades and a 2 of hearts.

surviving not thriving

 After you've been dealt, you have a pretty rockin' hand:

chicken dinner