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Huh. When you say that most Americans claim to be happy, I wonder who you're talking about, as far as "people in general" because while I consider myself to be very happy and positive, I encounter people all over who complain a lot, who get all angry in traffic, who are all wound up in their petty grievances all the time.
I feel like a rare specimen in my happiness and positive attitude.
Part of it for me, is who I am. I believe in having a sense of gratitude for whatever I've got, and being hopeful that if things are hard today, they'll be better in the future. Now that's been a mixed bag in terms of helping/hurting my life, because while that attitude probably helped me overcome and survive many difficulties, it also kept me in denial about certain things that would never change. Mostly my doomed marriage...I spent many years thinking, "Well, when THINGS are better, HE will be better." Nope. Eventually when "things" were about as good as they were ever going to get for us, in terms of our finances and the home we lived in, we had a good group of friends and he didn't even have to work if he didn't want to...yet he was still wretched, in fact, more so than ever...then I started to give up. Some people just can't be happy no matter what is there for them to be happy about.
Now, though? I'm away from the toxic relationship and in a wonderful one. I'm always happy about that, and it is the most consistent and uncomplicated piece of happiness in my life. My home makes me happy. My cat makes me happy. Jigsaw puzzles and good books make me happy. My social life and volunteer work makes me happy. My work...well, I'm admittedly somewhat more "work to live" these days, but I've got a pretty good job. Pays me well anyhow. I could be doing some amazing and far more fulfilling thing for a living, this isn't exactly what I always hoped and dreamed of, but it's not bad. Many people hate their jobs, I figure, so I am grateful that I don't. Sometimes my kids make me happy (in all fairness, they're teenagers, so...mixed bag of joy and frustration there.)
I consider myself to be happier than many people I know.
I get tired and thus depressed, sometimes at night. But I invariably sleep well and get up in the morning ready to tackle the day. I can't really speak for anyone else. I do think that the variables are so diverse it's all difficult to respond to your inquiry. People vary in their levels of vitality and in the ability to handle adversity. Their optimism, I guess you could say.
And then you don't always want to share what's really happening with just everyone, as you mentioned.
The happiness research shows the majority reports being happy. Those same people who are raging in traffic, hate their jobs, yelling at their spouse and kids -- they must be checking "very happy" on the surveys.
I wonder why they are so happy when there is so much mental and physical sickness, because of the toxic environment and unhealthy lifestyle. And the fact that so many Americans live far from their close relatives, and so many work extremely long hours.
\.
Any data to back up that opinion?
I have all kinds of medical problems, but I'm very happy. None of my environment is toxic, my lifestyle is very health. I live close to about 75 relatives, and retired.
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I have all kinds of medical problems, but I'm very happy. None of my environment is toxic, my lifestyle is very health. I live close to about 75 relatives, and retired.
Most environments are toxic, because of all the artificial chemicals in the air and water, pollution from cars and planes, plastic everywhere, etc., etc.
But as usual, you think one example proves something. Most Americans are not retired. Not having to work means much less stress.
Some people live near relatives, many do not. I think the most successful Americans are the most likely to move for their careers. They are also the most likely to work most of the time.
Maybe having an easy union protected job, or being retired, means low stress and more happiness. But most are not in that situation.
The happiness research shows the majority reports being happy. Those same people who are raging in traffic, hate their jobs, yelling at their spouse and kids -- they must be checking "very happy" on the surveys.
You have no idea if they are the same people.
Not sure why you don't believe people when they say their happy, that kinda sounds like sour grapes.
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I have all kinds of medical problems, but I'm very happy. None of my environment is toxic, my lifestyle is very health. I live close to about 75 relatives, and retired.
This.
I agree.
How do we know who is happy, who is lying, if Americans are ungrateful, living in chemicals, men who say they are happy but broke & divorcing etc etc....not sure of the point
Hm...I think I'd be a lot LESS happy if I lived anywhere near some of my relatives. I stay in a different state from most of them, for good reasons.
Got a lot of "chosen family" though.
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