Are You Happy?

[ElleBelle]

I'd say I'm overall happy. I can deal with sadness and stress well, and like what was said on the first page, I live in the first world and have many luxuries. Also, when you work everyday with kids that struggle to eat, speak, walk, or even have the ability to write their own name, it tends to snap more into focus how lucky we all are.

[Fruity]

I'm simply holding it together. I'm not happy. I don't remember the last time I was.

[ElleBelle]

I'm simply holding it together. I'm not happy. I don't remember the last time I was.

Edit: now that I see that moving, it was supposed to look more like a hug. I wasn't try to maul you after you said you were unhappy. :p

[Bob Kelso]

I have a newfound happiness and enjoyment of my life that I did not think was possible a mere six months ago. I was a single father going through a nasty divorce with a woman I had thought to build a life with who had turned into a monster.
Then I got my head on straight and eventually met the most wonderful woman I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, and we've started something grand together. I have full custody of my daughter, I'm going back to college, a great job and an amazing girlfriend. Things are superb.

[Jacob(smooth)]

No, I am depressed. I was happy when I was with the only girl (or person for that matter) I have ever loved. Since she decided she didn't like me anymore I have been miserable.

It's the base state for a teenager.

I know it's trite but it really does get better. First few times you fall in love you convince yourself that they are the best person in the world and that you'll never be happy with anyone else.

Experience has shown me that you can love lots of people in lots of ways. It's not that there is a finite supply of love shared between the available people in your life, you get a whole new batch with every one!

You know probably a few dozen people. There are several billion our there you've never even met. To say the girl was the only one you've ever loved is actually not saying that much, you're fishing in a very small pool.

And that aside, yes I'm happy. Although it took a bit of work.

[Psykhronic]

I'm "pretty alright". I enjoy where I am at right now. Still occasionally get a little "whooaaa I have problems" but that's damn uncommon.

[Napoléon]

I live in the first world and have many luxuries

I don't really think this 'living in the first world' has that much bearing on whether someone is happy or not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Planet_Index

Notice with this that a lot of first world countries feature quite low on this list (although yeah, the majority of 3rd world countries are at the bottom end).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'd rather be living in the third world, just saying sometimes having all these things we consider as luxuries doesn't necessarily equate to happiness. If anything it could be argued living in the first world is a lot more complicated and demanding in other ways which can lead to people being unhappy in a different kind of way. I'm pretty sure I saw a documentary a while ago saying that people in the bronze age were probably just as happy as we are now, despite the fact we have so much that is technologically advanced. The thing is, people simply get used to their surroundings and the technologies and it becomes ingrained into their day to day life, so much so that it's taken for granted. I think that's true for most people in the first world to be honest. But it doesn't, IMO have all that much bearing on their happiness.

[Crossless2.0]

I've never been more lonely, but I do have my interests and little pleasures. File me under "it's complicated."

[ElleBelle]

I live in the first world and have many luxuries

I don't really think this 'living in the first world' has that much bearing on whether someone is happy or not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Planet_Index

Notice with this that a lot of first world countries feature quite low on this list (although yeah, the majority of 3rd world countries are at the bottom end).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'd rather be living in the third world, just saying sometimes having all these things we consider as luxuries doesn't necessarily equate to happiness. If anything it could be argued living in the first world is a lot more complicated and demanding in other ways which can lead to people being unhappy in a different kind of way. I'm pretty sure I saw a documentary a while ago saying that people in the bronze age were probably just as happy as we are now, despite the fact we have so much that is technologically advanced. The thing is, people simply get used to their surroundings and the technologies and it becomes ingrained into their day to day life, so much so that it's taken for granted. I think that's true for most people in the first world to be honest. But it doesn't, IMO have all that much bearing on their happiness.

Good points. I guess I should amend that statement and have to say it affects my personal state of happiness. I value my internet and shopping habit.

[pocaracas]

Mr. Cobra Bubbles: We're getting off the subject. Let's talk about you. Are you... happy?

Lilo: I'm adjusted.

[Repeats what Nani is signing to her behind Bubbles' back]

Lilo: I eat all four food groups, and look both ways before crossing the street... and take long naps...

[Nani pumps her fist in triumph]

Lilo: and get disciplined?

Mr. Cobra Bubbles: Disciplined?

Lilo: Yeah! She disciplines me real good.

[Nani holds out here hand in "stop" gesture]

Lilo: Sometimes five times a day! With bricks!

Mr. Cobra Bubbles: Bricks?

Lilo: Uh huh... in a pillow case...

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