by RosieGHM Jetpacker on March 5th, 2009

RosieGHM Jetpacker

Question

Help answer this question below.

If "being happy" is a choice, why doesn't everyone choose it?

  • Like
  • Report

Answers. 12 helpful answers below.

  • by StupidGirl on November 12th, 2009

    StupidGirl

    I believe most babies are born happy. As soon as they are born though "society" starts filling up their little heads with limiting beliefs and some people never learn't how to undo those.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by juleeus on March 5th, 2009

    juleeus

    happy=satisfaction
    satisfaction=decrease in competency,resulting decrease in growth

    that's why i don't choose

    • Like
    • Report

    5 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on March 7th, 2009

    Anonymous

    I've never heard of it being a choice, but I have heard it called a state of mind, etc.

    • Like
    • Report

    4 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Cowboy-Matter of Fact on March 5th, 2009

    Cowboy-Matter of Fact

    I honestly think some people enjoy wallowing in their own self pity and would have it no other way. I do not understand the psychology that makes a person want to insist that they are a victim, but it certainly exists.

    • Like
    • Report

    4 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Tom 47 is back in his bear COAT on March 5th, 2009

    Tom 47 is back in his bear COAT

    Not always a choice, Rosie. Many people have tremendous tragedy and sadness. I find it foolish and "elitist" when people suggest that everyone can be "happy" all the time if they only "choose" to be. Who would not be happy if they had a choice? The millionaire "gurus" of ESN and "take responsibility for your feelings" can certainly afford to say these childish things. Experiencing real tragedy and grief beyond your control yourself is another matter.

    • Like
    • Report

    5 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Colt COAT of Justice on March 5th, 2009

    Colt  COAT of Justice

    Many don' tknow how !

    • Like
    • Report

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by LETS-TALK-ABOUT-IT on March 5th, 2009

    LETS-TALK-ABOUT-IT

    What makes one happy doesn't make another happy and so in the end noone is happy

    • Like
    • Report

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by shrinkess on March 9th, 2009

    shrinkess

    Choosing to be happy can be very hard. If hubby dies, I'd find it difficult to choose to be happy. On the other hand, I do think that happiness is a state of mind and to the extent that I can control my state of mind, I can be happy.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Phillis - Zacks little sister on March 7th, 2009

    Phillis - Zacks little sister

    I don't think most people realize it IS a choice, Rosie. Their parents couldn't teach what they themselves didn't know. I know mine didn't. I grew up thinking that happiness just naturally occured for some people and I wasn't one of the lucky few. How sad that I didn't realize it sooner! But I know it now and the cycle is broken for my daughter's as well.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Moongrim on March 5th, 2009

    Moongrim

    What makes me happy is often made illegal.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Raj on March 5th, 2009

    Raj

    Since we are not happy to choose

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Teresa on November 12th, 2009

    Teresa

    I don't think it's so simple as a straightforward choice. I don't choose between happy or sad the way I choose between cereal or an egg for breakfast.

    But I do think we have some level of influence over our mood. We can make a conscious effort to avoid negative stimuli and to stay positive in our mentality. It takes high levels of self-consciousness, confidence, and will power.

    There are other influences that we can't control, though: external circumstances, like if my pet rabbit dies I will be sad for at least a little while and I will not have control over that; and internal circumstances, like sometimes mood can have to do with a hormone imbalance or something else that can be helped with drugs.

    But, to give a simplified answer, someone might choose to be sad because they get attention for it or because they get certain things they wouldn't get if they weren't sad. Like, when I'm sad my wife is extra kind to me. And when I'm sad I treat myself to McDonald's. Sounds great: maybe I want McDonald's and an extra-kind wife every day! Of course, this kind of logic is short-sighted, but then people are short-sighted all the time.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

You're reading If "being happy" is a choice, why doesn't everyone choose it? - which can also be phrased in the following ways:

  • Is happiness a choice? If so, why would anyone not choose to be happy?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

Choose being happy
Chose being happy