why do people choose to live like this?

    Current conditions in the place where I live: Snow shower/wind; 28°F, feels like 12°F; chance of precipitation 50% (ironic since it is currently snowing and has been the entire time that I have been awake, nearly 4 1/2 hours); Dew Point 23°F; Humidity 74%; Wind from the WSW at 31 mph.
    In other words, it is snowing and cold and frickin' windy, but the snow does melt when it hits the pavement so it isn't as dangerous (in this isolated spot) as it seems like it should be. Not a reason to go out and dance around, but some consolation.
    Today is spa day. It was originally spa day for two, but The Cat hails from a more northerly, remote region and cannot (should not) make the trek south. I miss her already, and was very much looking forward to our girly day out. However, I would much rather miss her and know that she is safe and home than know that she is risking her own safety to waste a day and a bundle of cash to hang out with me. We will do this some other day. And I, alone, will do it today.
    In the ick.
    Again, why do people choose to live like this, in the cold, wet yuck?