Are You Happy With Your Life?
Poll
 | 22 votes (50%) | ||
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| | 9 votes (20.45%) | ||
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44 members have voted
We're at our happiest aged 23 and 69... but mid-50s is the worst time for regrets
According to the study, life satisfaction peaks at ages 23 and 69. The theory is that 23-year-olds overestimate their future life satisfaction before they are hit with life's disappointments. From that point, their satisfaction levels dip until they reach the lowest point in their mid-50's. Then things start to rebound, and satisfaction levels peak again at 69, when people supposedly no longer face disappointment.
I'm not 69 yet, but I know we have some members here who are approaching that age. I'd love to hear whether or not they're happier now compared to, say, 10-15 years ago.
But to everyone: Are you happy with your life?
Quote: michael99000I'll wait and see if Denver covers before answering this question
I have Chiefs money line. I'm feeling pretty unhappy right now (score: Denver: 17, KC: 7)
Quote: BuzzardI am 73 & 1/2,. Glad to be on the right side of grass.
I heard you yelling out the window at the landscapers: "GREEN SIDE UP!!!" ; D
maiden name Stancavitch. Had to get her bookbag in school and copy her name.
Her dad had 2 brothers, 1 sister. All 4 spelled last name different !
Quote: BuzzardWatch it Josie is Polish and I do mean Polish.
maiden name Stancavitch. Had to get her bookbag in school and copy her name.
Her dad had 2 brothers, 1 sister. All 4 spelled last name different !
Busted. Grew up in the Midwest with lots of Polish and Scandinavians. Also grew up when you could still tell Polish jokes, Italian jokes, Norwegian jokes, etc. That was one of my favorites, but I polished it up for this thread. (pun intended) Hiya, Josie! (waving)
Quote: zippyboyI've never heard a Norwegian joke...how do they go? Are they Viking jokes or what? How are Vikings funny?
Well, shurr, you betcha, by golly...oofda! You've never heard an Ole and Lenya joke? Poor, underpriviledged man.
Seems like they told several of them in the movie "Fargo", and if you remember Frances McDormand (she won the Oscar that year as the police chief), that's the accent. Get that in your head, and then;
Ole and Lenya were audited one year by the IRS. They worked out of their farmhouse, so the audit took place at the kitchen table.
"Well, Ole," said the auditor, "it says here that Lenya is a seamstress, and you're a diesel fitter. Is that correct?"
"Ya, ya, fer shurr, dat's correct!" said Ole.
"Well," said the auditor, "I'm pretty familiar with the occupation of seamstress, but I've never heard of a diesel fitter. Could you explain, please?"
"Ya, ya, shurr!" said Ole. "Lenya, she makes da panties fer all da ladies roun' here. Once she's finished, she hands dem to me. I put my hands up de legs, stretch dem real wide, den I say, 'Ya, Ya, dees'll fit 'er!"
Quote: michael99000I'll wait and see if Denver covers before answering this question
Yes. me too. I bet $50 -7.5 even money.
A: The drivers are scared of getting robbed.
This isn't really a norwegian joke as such but rather simply a generic joke that can be plugged into any society :)
Happiness is totally a state of mind. I was very exhuberant and well let's say constantlly on the wrong side of the law in my 20's but I wouldn't say I was happy. Then when I turned 30 I became happy all of a sudden. I decided to stop worrying about what other people thought of me and simply lived my life. I then met my wife, immigrated to the US (that could be a win or loss, not quite sure yet :) ), moved my family around 3 times until we settled in Vegas, got a great job, bought a house and so on. In looking back so far my 30's have by far been my best decade (and i'm not done yet).
I can however see how things could go downhill from here. More stability also brings far more responsibility. Now we have to worry about future earninigs, 401k's, retirement, kids, college and so on and so forth.
Somehow I get the feeling the fun has gone for just a little while ;)
Quote: speedycrapAlright, DEN got the ball and 2:57 left. I am a very happy camper now. Good night.
Man, a garbage time TD by the Chefs would have really brightened your night, eh?
Quote: beachbumbabsI'm pretty happy, and I'm in my mid-50's. I was pretty unhappy from a couple years ago until a few months ago, definite mid-life examination (short of crisis). But I'm turning things around, and I'm enjoying the transition. Sold a house after 15 months, got a new career last month after being sequestered since May, losing weight, getting rid of extraneous possessions, making new friends here and elsewhere, volunteering time for charity. Busy and productive counts for a lot in your attitude when you've been benched as useless and stuck broke.
Always find the positives and have no regrets...just like Frank.
If you put yourself in the position of 'I will be happy if only xxxx happens' you will never be happy you will only find another xxxx that keeps you from being happy.
Nice thought, tell it to somebody wrongfully imprisoned.
Quote: kewljOverall, I am pretty happy with my life. I still have many goals to achieve that I am working towards, but I am pleased with where I am at and my journey so far and look forward to what lies ahead. I think it is easy to get caught up always chasing goals, and you forget to enjoy life, so in the last year, I have made a real effort to enjoy life a little more.
Good for you!!! When I'm back in December we should have a beer, oh wait, you are on diet and so am I, perhaps a Jamba Juice!!! :)
I have a wonderful wife of almost 21 years (we've been together 27 years); two great sons 34 and 37; a great daughter-in-law, two wonderful grandkids ages 8 and 6 and my writing career has been a great ride since I was in college. I loved teaching for 33 years too. My casino play has been fabulous and I have met some terrific people, the Captain and his Crew for example. I acted for 12 years and ran a theatre company for that time as well. I am also traveling a lot.
BUT one thing. I am a restless individual. I have been so ever since I can remember. I've worked since I was 12 and haven't stopped yet. I write every day. That restlessness does not make me unhappy but it does drive me.
At 66, am I happier now than at 23? Yes. At 23 I was in a bad, BAD, first marriage that lasted until I was 39. While my outiside life was great; home was not a haven. I preferred not to be home. Now my home is my retreat. I would say I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.
Quote: beachbumbabsWell, shurr, you betcha, by golly...oofda! You've never heard an Ole and Lenya joke? Poor, underpriviledged man.
Seems like they told several of them in the movie "Fargo", .....
Funny. I'm of Norwegian descent, with a typical well-known Norwegian surname, and haven't heard that joke before. In fact, my grandfather, whose name was actually Ole, immigrated from Norway and settled in Minnesota, and I spent many many summers up there, so I enjoyed Fargo quite a bit. Loved the accent.
Quote: Buzzard" Happiness comes from within not from outside forces. "
Nice thought, tell it to somebody wrongfully imprisoned.
If it was prison that was causing them to be unhappy than all the excons would be happy. We know that isn't true so I stand by my assertion. If you want to be unhappy you can always find a reason.
What is the main way that unhappiness/depression is treated besides drugs. It is counsuling which doesn't do anything to releve the outside 'reasons'. It only helps the space between your ears.
Quote: kenarmanWhat is the main way that unhappiness/depression is treated besides drugs. It is counsuling which doesn't do anything to releve the outside 'reasons'. It only helps the space between your ears.
Preach, and amen.
To feel it so like myself, indeed, so brotherly, made me realize that I'd been happy, and that I was happy still. For all to be accomplished, for me to feel less lonely, all that remained to hope was that on the day of my execution there should be a huge crowd of spectators and that they should greet me with howls of execration.”
― Albert Camus, The Stranger
Quote: teddysYou are what you think. You can change what you think. To say I'm not happy with my life right now would be an understatement. But I'm trying to not allow myself to be unhappy.
I haven't met you, but you seem too good a guy to be trapped in an unhappy life, teddys. Seek happiness. I may be out of line for saying this, and forgive me if I am, but I get the feeling your struggle involves expectations of you by others. This is your life. Find what makes YOU happy, not what will make other's happy.
Quote: speedycrapI need DEN to cover -7.5 for my $50 bet.
Was there ever any doubt?
Freak accident or score will runi my bottom line
Quote: kenarmanIf it was prison that was causing them to be unhappy than all the excons would be happy. We know that isn't true so I stand by my assertion. If you want to be unhappy you can always find a reason.
What is the main way that unhappiness/depression is treated besides drugs. It is counsuling which doesn't do anything to releve the outside 'reasons'. It only helps the space between your ears.
You skimmed over the words wrongfully. And too many unhappy people self-medicate with street drugs. Go ahead and be happy if you want to be. Just don't inflict your definition of happiness on others.
Often unhappiness is a great motivator. Right, teddys ?
Quote: BuzzardGo ahead and be happy if you want to be. Just don't inflict your definition of happiness on others.
Often unhappiness is a great motivator..
I took from him that all that matters is the relationship between you and your own mind. People are always thinking I'm angry, and most times, they're right. I am, and often. But I love being angry, because like you said, it's a great motivator.
Being kind of dopey-realxed happy is nice, but that gets boring quick. I like work, and most of my work is on stuff that's broken, and stuff that is broken pisses me off. So that anger is my fuel, which pushes me to fix stuff, which makes me happy in the process. Once fixed, I feel like a million bucks, I feel motivated, and I'm off looking for something else to piss me off.
YOU might see a scowling man, but on the inside I am at one with myself and completely comfortable. I am happy, even if you think I'm not, because I am tuned in and connected to that space between my ears.
Quote: FacePeople are always thinking I'm angry, and most times, they're right. I am, and often.
But aren't all white guys supposed to be angry? ;)
It is in that very dissemination where true happiness lies.
Do you see your glass as half-full or half-empty?
Ever see the slot player that hits a jackpot only to get pissed about the tax responsibilities?
Happiness is all in the "how" you perceive the constant incoming information. Because that will effect your attitude.
And your attitude will either enhance your life experiences or dampen them....your choice.
We all have but one life to live and experience. One. Ain't no second chances.
I truly feel remorse for those that, by their own volition, don't make it the absolute very best one.
Regret not what you don't have, much better to rejoice in what you do have.
You'll be much happier for it.
I want. There are parts of my life I'm not happy with,
but I distance myself from those parts. The trick to
being happy is don't do things you don't want to do.
And don't let people talk you into those things. For
instance, I'm not popular in my wife's family because
I never go to any of their stupid events anymore. I
hate those things, too boring. It makes me happy not
to go, who cares if they don't like it.
Quote: treetopbuddyI'm guessing the secret to being happy is setting a very low bar. .
Maybe. Most men I know are unhappy because they hate
their jobs and marriages. They constantly do things they
don't want to do. That's a huge happiness killer. If you
always think ahead and keep obligations at a minimum,
you're chances for happiness greatly increase.
Quote: FaceI like work, and most of my work is on stuff that's broken, and stuff that is broken pisses me off. So that anger is my fuel, which pushes me to fix stuff, which makes me happy in the process. Once fixed, I feel like a million bucks, I feel motivated, and I'm off looking for something else to piss me off.
Hey, that's pretty similar to my attitude! If I've spent a day at work cursing up and down, it was probably a good day, because I was getting shit done. I.e., fixing broken software/configuration/etc.
Quote: EvenBobI'm happy most of the time because I always do what
I want. There are parts of my life I'm not happy with,
but I distance myself from those parts. The trick to
being happy is don't do things you don't want to do.
And don't let people talk you into those things. For
instance, I'm not popular in my wife's family because
I never go to any of their stupid events anymore. I
hate those things, too boring. It makes me happy not
to go, who cares if they don't like it.
I agree with most things you post on WOV but I'm not sure about this. It does work for you which is great but don't you derive at least some pleasure out of making your wife happy? Isn't at least part of marriage doing stuff that makes her happy but may not be your favorite?
In my life I cosntantly have to go to Operas or black box plays or whatever theya re called and I moan and b**ch like a crazy person when I'm told (read asked) to go but I do and 9 out of 10 times I actually have fun.
We inherently have to make ourselves happy, I get that, but we don't walk this earth alone, we walk shoulder to shoulder with our significant other. Perhaps going to some of those family functions may make her happy. Is that not a win in itself?
Not meaning to take you to task, just, as a young guy still learning what being married is all about, I'm trying to make sense out of this as much as I can :)
Quote: TomspurI agree with most things you post on WOV but I'm not sure about this. It does work for you which is great but don't you derive at least some pleasure out of making your wife happy? Isn't at least part of marriage doing stuff that makes her happy but may not be your favorite?
In my life I cosntantly have to go to Operas or black box plays or whatever theya re called and I moan and b**ch like a crazy person when I'm told (read asked) to go but I do and 9 out of 10 times I actually have fun.
We inherently have to make ourselves happy, I get that, but we don't walk this earth alone, we walk shoulder to shoulder with our significant other. Perhaps going to some of those family functions may make her happy. Is that not a win in itself?
Not meaning to take you to task, just, as a young guy still learning what being married is all about, I'm trying to make sense out of this as much as I can :)
I agree. Life is give and take. If you just take take take and never give, well you might end up like EvenBob ;)
Quote: TomspurI agree with most things you post on WOV but I'm not sure about this. It does work for you which is great but don't you derive at least some pleasure out of making your wife happy? Isn't at least part of marriage doing stuff that makes her happy but may not be your favorite?
In my life I cosntantly have to go to Operas or black box plays or whatever theya re called and I moan and b**ch like a crazy person when I'm told (read asked) to go but I do and 9 out of 10 times I actually have fun.
We inherently have to make ourselves happy, I get that, but we don't walk this earth alone, we walk shoulder to shoulder with our significant other. Perhaps going to some of those family functions may make her happy. Is that not a win in itself?
Not meaning to take you to task, just, as a young guy still learning what being married is all about, I'm trying to make sense out of this as much as I can :)
Maybe him not going IS WHAT makes the wife and inlaws happy?
Quote: petroglyphMaybe him not going IS WHAT makes the wife and inlaws happy?
Wow, we really don't think much of Bob :)
But I guess it is a possibility, we know it makes him happy!
Quote: TomspurWow, we really don't think much of Bob :)
But I guess it is a possibility, we know it makes him happy!
My ex-inlaws preferred I didn't come by so I obliged them, it was a win, win.
I see too many people just going through the motions of living, without really giving it a try. It ain't for everybody, but I hate to see a life wasted.
Quote: petroglyphMy ex-inlaws preferred I didn't come by so I obliged them, it was a win, win.
I see too many people just going through the motions of living, without really giving it a try. It ain't for everybody, but I hate to see a life wasted.
Word!
