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What makes people happy?

What do you think makes people the most happy? (Pick up to three)

  • Total voters
    32
Kandahar

Kandahar

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We all know that for some people, the pursuit of happiness seems to be a dead end. Some people pursue what they think will make them happy, only to find out that they're wrong. I was discussing this with some of my friends the other day, and I was curious as to what you all thought were the biggest drivers in human happiness. Obviously everyone is different and the things that make one person happy might not necessarily make someone else happy...but I'm talking about on average. What do you think are the biggest determining factors in whether or not someone is happy?

I could only include ten options, so if you think I missed something important please specify in the comments.
 
I think it is a combination of the above but if I had to choose one it would be family/ spending time with my family
 
a love marriage, to work in a job which you like, and donating money may be a strong opportunity to be happy..
 
I'm disappointed. There was no choice for "watching hippies get maced by the cops"! Ahh, true bliss :D
 
Kandahar said:
I could only include ten options, so if you think I missed something important please specify in the comments.
Click to expand...

There is really way too few sex and drug related options provided in this poll.
 
 
optimal levels of serotonin?
 
Socializing, exercising, donating.

Those are my three.
 
...............
. cheesecake2.jpg
 
samsmart said:
There is really way too few sex and drug related options provided in this poll.
Click to expand...

I thought about including something like that, but unfortunately I was limited to ten options.

In terms of sex, I dunno if it actually makes people happy outside of the context of a long-term relationship. That may be one of those things that falls into the category of "things people think will make them happy, but actually doesn't" IMO.

Same with drugs. Aside from maybe some of the psychedelic drugs which are associated with religion/spirituality, I'm not so sure that they actually make people happy. Drugs can give people a quick thrill but many drug-users are at the worst point in their entire lives, in terms of their overall happiness.
 
Last edited:
Kandahar said:
We all know that for some people, the pursuit of happiness seems to be a dead end. Some people pursue what they think will make them happy, only to find out that they're wrong. I was discussing this with some of my friends the other day, and I was curious as to what you all thought were the biggest drivers in human happiness. Obviously everyone is different and the things that make one person happy might not necessarily make someone else happy...but I'm talking about on average. What do you think are the biggest determining factors in whether or not someone is happy?

I could only include ten options, so if you think I missed something important please specify in the comments.
Click to expand...

To use a psychological term, I would say the achievement of "self-actualization."
 
Whoever likes the cheesecake picture gets to go on a trip with me to the Cheesecake Factory! Weeeee! :)
 
Kandahar said:
I thought about including something like that, but unfortunately I was limited to ten options.

In terms of sex, I dunno if it actually makes people happy outside of the context of a long-term relationship. That may be one of those things that falls into the category of "things people think will make them happy, but actually doesn't" IMO.

Same with drugs. Aside from maybe some of the psychedelic drugs which are associated with religion/spirituality, I'm not so sure that they actually make people happy. Drugs can give people a quick thrill but many drug-users are at the worst point in their entire lives, in terms of their overall happiness.
Click to expand...

It depends on the person. Some people truly do favor just the simple, easy pleasures in life.

I don't mean to argue or belabor the point, really, as I'm sure that such people are a minority of the population. But there are those who get ample "happiness" from just getting laid or just getting high every so often.
 
Having a loving marriage, doing things that I enjoy, and doing my best to make a difference in the world.
 
Josie said:
Whoever likes the cheesecake picture gets to go on a trip with me to the Cheesecake Factory! Weeeee! :)
Click to expand...


and maybe cupcakes and hansel and gratels factory
 
I'm a simple woman. This makes me happy. :)

cute-kitten-2.jpg
 
DiAnna said:
I'm a simple woman. This makes me happy. :)

cute-kitten-2.jpg
Click to expand...

Awwwww. I wanted to add "having pets" to my list too, but I ran out of space. In terms of how I think it would affect my personal happiness, I'd much rather have a cat or a dog than a child. :)
 
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