Happiness...

[scottydog]

I think many young people nowadays are disappointed of life because they have unrealistic ideas. They expect happiness (and love, too, for that matter) to be like an explosion. Something utterly extraordinary that completely bowls them over. In my experience, however, both are very quiet events that steal into our lives on cats' paws. Very likely the young ones overlook the best moments in their lives because they don't even notice them, being too busy looking for big events that only happen in movies and other fiction.

I'd say you're right. If we take pleasure in the simple things, like a glass of water when we're thirsty and a hug from a loved one, then we can find happiness. For me, gratitude is key.

[RJDiogenes]

In short, happiness is a tomato that's still warm from the sun.

I'm picturing you drawn by Chares Schulz.

I think many young people nowadays are disappointed of life because they have unrealistic ideas.

I think their minds are numbed by the torrential onslaught of social media.

[huggle]

I agree. And in the social media everyone tries to outdo everyone else and so their stories grow bigger and bigger. Unfortunately, many of their peers believe them.
But the traditional media add to unrealistic expectations. Just look at the photoshoppped pictures of impossibly slim and smooth-skinned people. And in movies and TV Shows all good guys are handsome, all bad guys are ugly, plump people are always pictured stupid, black men are always muscular but brainless, Italians are Mafiosi and French are only thinking of bedding you etc. Or what I loathe most: the nosy and irresponsibly stupid American kid that doesn't obey orders, gets into trouble, gets dozens of good people killed in the rescue and then gets congratulated for being so brave instead of getting a thorough spanking - lesson learned: stupidity and disobedience make you a hero.
With all these wrong role models, how are children and teenagers supposed to develop a sense of reality and get fit for life?

As for Charles Schultz - I always thought Peppermint Patty was a lot like me

[scottydog]

And in movies and TV Shows all good guys are handsome, all bad guys are ugly, plump people are always pictured stupid, black men are always muscular but brainless, Italians are Mafiosi and French are only thinking of bedding you etc.

I always notice that bald men are usually the bad guys. Jean Luc Picard being a notable exception, of course

[RJDiogenes]

And skinny, nearsighted guys with an overbite are always geeks. Oh, wait, that one's true.

I agree. And in the social media everyone tries to outdo everyone else and so their stories grow bigger and bigger. Unfortunately, many of their peers believe them.

It's the Age of Extremism and that's one reason why.

As for Charles Schultz - I always thought Peppermint Patty was a lot like me

Yes, sir.

[huggle]

I always notice that bald men are usually the bad guys. Jean Luc Picard being a notable exception, of course

And Yul Brynner!


@RJD: would you like me to hold the football for you to kick?

[RJDiogenes]

I'm not going to fall for that.

[scottydog]

I'll take Linus's blanket, please

[RJDiogenes]

Everybody could use one of those these days.

[huggle]

it's way too hot for any blanket. At the moment my personal happiness is a cool breeze and strawberries with ice cream

[RJDiogenes]

If we have blankets to keep us warm in the Winter, we should be able to invent anti-blankets to keep us cool in the Summer.

[scottydog]

If we have blankets to keep us warm in the Winter, we should be able to invent anti-blankets to keep us cool in the Summer.

The apocalyptic explosion that would result from blankets and anti-blankets coming into contact with each other might really disrupt my sleep.

[RJDiogenes]

It could also power starships!

[scottydog]

It could also power starships!

.... which would make me happy! Okay, let's get scientists (or a few grandmothers) working on knitting these anti-blankets!

[RJDiogenes]

Maybe we can get our aunties to do it.