If happiness is objective, then why do so many people get divorced.
I contend that happiness is both an emotion and a frame of mind or outlook.
A friends uncle, one of the warmest people you could ever meet, was married for a number of year, and then his wife got a dibilitating disease. He had to pick her up out of bed or a wheel chair to bathe her or take her to the bathroom. She became a very demanding and bitter person. My buddy's uncle had a couple of businesses he was operating during this time also, so he hade a HUGE load on his plate. UNTIL he came down with cancer, 15 years later.
He fought cancer for 3 years, and even through the pain of cancer, my buddy described his uncle as happy AND inspiring.
Why do some people get married and talk about how happy they are, and then 5-7-10 years later get divorced? Why does someone else, with the weight of the world upon them choose to stay faithful and committed, and are still described as happy?
Feelings come and go. One can wake up happy and by noon be in a foul mood. The next day they might be happy again.
A happy outlook isn't quite as fickle, BUT still must be developed and excercised and protected.
Some might say Pursued.
If happiness is objective, then why do so many people get divorced.
Thanks for the rest of your post. It certainly shows how people differ, that's for sure.
The obvious response would make the responder seem a sourpuss. (Just imagine what "Cranky Carl" would make of it.) We don't always know what makes for our happiness unless we lead really sheltered lives, for our entire lives. Believe it or not, it's possible to be both objective and wrong. New or previously unperceived facts can upset the applecart.
"Acting cheerful will make you cheerful." That can be seen as subjective...if it works. /wink