Ladies, what is your idea of a happy life?

[SecretlySad]

Hehe no, that's ok. I know what you're saying

It's amazing how many divorces there are nowadays. It's quite depressing, really.

[caterpillar79]

Some of them save lives, and some of them destroy. What I am sure about is CHANGE in any way.

[WildChild]

Thinking about this a bit. Being somewhat older, my perspective may be a little different.

I think, wonderful as they can be, adding children to the mix may end as many relationships as they enhance. Over time quite a few people reach a point that their children are just about All they have in common. But actually having children may help create that situation because they narrow their lives down to children and supporting the household - there is no time or money for anything else. Once the kids are gone and that often happens with retirement not too far off the horizon, people's lives are empty. Of course this isn't true of everyone.

Money or more often lack of money is another big issue. Money can't buy you happiness but neither can poverty. Living in constant deprivation and financial stress, which many people do and not necessarily because they make poor spending choices, they just may not have enough money to make any choices really. Finances can really strain a relationship or an individual. To be happy you need adequate income. What one considers adequate may not suit another.

I think happiness requires having some real areas of interests. Activites you enjoy, something you are passionate about doing or learning, makes a big difference in people's lives. People I know who pretty much just go to work, eat, drink, watch TV and sleep, may often say they are happy but if you get them talking - they aren't. They are simply comfortable because everything is predictable. They have no real joy in anything. They are essentially flat lined emotionally, it may be safe but it's not happy.

Happiness requires self love or satisfaction. Being essentially satisfied with who you are, how you look, is vital.

Having others you interact with positively and lovingly is essential. Whether friends, family or a beloved; preferably all these.

Knowing how to appreciate all that is around you, taking time to notice the beauty and appreciate the little things makes a big difference in people's happiness.

Finally, simply deciding to be happy. To find what ever joy there is to be found no matter what is going on.

[caterpillar79]

Amen, WC! Well put.

[SecretlySad]

Absolutely, wonderful WC

I feel so sad when I hear stories about parents who aren't in love anymore, but stay together for the kids. What a miserable life.

[CHANDLERS WISH]

From an old bag

My idea of a happy life, is to "believe" and never stop. To "give" and never change. To "love" with passion and lust. To be me " that inner child" and a "woman" at the same time. To share all of this with someone like minded, passionate in life, compassionate and with ambitions and adventure.

Then the journey can only be honest, heart felt and with soul, 2 souls joined as one.

[Isabellacat]

Alot of times I feel there really is no such thing as a completely happy life,but I also think it's possible to live close to being totally happy if you have the strength and patience to cope with pain and loss. I guess my idea of a happy life would be to feel appreciated and to be the most popular girl in school lol.

[kygirl]

I have come across so many women lately who are either (a) single and very happy and (b) childless and very happy.

It really shocks me sometimes. I was always under the impression that every woman's vision for the perfect life was a prince charming husband, 3 kids and a house with a white picket fence in a good, clean neighbourhood.

I love that so many women are coming out and giving a big F YOU to society's expectations. Even though I myself may want these things one day, it makes me personally feel very liberated.

How about you?

I know what I think I want at times, but as I've gotten older, I think it ultimately comes down to the following:

a good job that feels satisfying to me (on most days)
good friends who I feel are there for me and vice versa
enough free time to do the things I would like to (travel, adventure)
hopefully a SO who mutually respects me that I can feel close to physically, emotionally and mentally

I'm up in the air on kids... If they happen, that's great. If I have a big house, that's great, but I'm more about people and experiences I'd say.

[sourpuss]

I know what I think I want at times, but as I've gotten older, I think it ultimately comes down to the following:

a good job that feels satisfying to me (on most days)
good friends who I feel are there for me and vice versa
enough free time to do the things I would like to (travel, adventure)
hopefully a SO who mutually respects me that I can feel close to physically, emotionally and mentally

I'm up in the air on kids... If they happen, that's great. If I have a big house, that's great, but I'm more about people and experiences I'd say.

You and I are on the same page, exactly! Well said.

[Missetm]

I believe my happy life would include
A life filled with honest to goodness true love.
No money worries.
Being able to do the things I want to do when I want to do them and having
someone to do it with.
Having my friends and family around me.
Really enjoying life!

I'm on the right track!

But, until I find my "Mr Right", I'm happy being single!