Sun Theory (Phoenix, Mesa: credit, health, colleges)

[Jnvlv247]

Hey, I moved here from CT to go to ASU, not just for school, I will probably end up living here also. I love the mountains, the desert, the heat, the palm trees and the whole atmosphere. I noticed that a lot of people out here are a lot better looking than in New England. Since its sunny almost all the time, could that be an explaination--the sun makes people happy, etc. I remember talking to a native here and they didn't know what SAD was (seasonal affective disorder) where in the East, people would be depressed or more slightly depressed in the winter due to the lack of the sun and daylight. Also I noticed, despite all the fast food restuarants here, a lot of people are into exercising and fitness very much. I don't know, the people here give off a different vibe than in New England, its hard to explain, but it's definitely not a bad vibe. Now, this doesn't mean everyone here is happy, good-looking and friendly, just coming from the East it very much seems that way. I am certainly happier here than I was in CT

[Bummer]

Interesting observation, Jnvlv!

Are you implying . . . A HAPPY FACE IS A PRETTY FACE? ! ! ! !

[joninaz]

I think a lot of pretty people simply migrate to warmer/sunny climes. When I graduated high school in Colorado, a lot of the "hottie" gals chose colleges in FL, AZ, SoCal.
Not all - Colorado is full of beauties. I simply don't recall many heading North. Maybe some want to flaunt themselves under the sun. Or maybe many who are handsome (M/F) look better due to an interest in fitness, a lifestyle choice that arguably better matches with warmer/sunny climates. Again I'm painting with broad strokes here, but I've never seen MTV covering a spring break bikini contest in Cleveland.

That said, there's also a significant part of AZ that is severly obese and unhealthy, and Phoenix moves higher on chunky city list every year. Mesa is now #4, which makes me wonder if Waveyard really has to do much mechanically, other than hand out ciggies and fried appetizers.

[foma]

Originally Posted by Jnvlv247

the sun makes people happy, etc. I remember talking to a native here and they didn't know what SAD was (seasonal affective disorder) where in the East, people would be depressed or more slightly depressed in the winter due to the lack of the sun and daylight

I totally agree wtih this statement! We moved here about 10 months ago from upstate NY and I can definitely say I'm happier. I don't necessarily like Phoenix (but I don't dislike it either) but for some reason, I'm much more optimistic and positive. I totally credit the sun as a huge influence. I remember in NY, I'd always get depressd and down in the winter for some reason. Part of the reason may have been the passing of my Father; and part of the reason why I'm "happier" here is probably b'c of a deliberate effort to be happier, too. Lots of factors involved but the sun definitely takes some credit!