Surveys show that rich people are just as likely to be unhappy as poor people, married people as often as single people. People who have major lottery wins are very happy initially but often in the longer term also very unhappy. People who have been happy tend to be able to rebound faster and be happier again after a problem, while those who have been depressed or unhappy a lot, tend to feel the knocks in life more and find recovering slower. Those that wallow in sorrow, or feel they only deserve a poor existence tend to avoid becoming happy, while those who truly decide they are going to be happy, whatever their background can with support become as happy, and stay as happy as anyone else.
In some ways those who are really happy are those with an attitude of mind, that says, I am going to be happy and stay happy whatever it takes. Although some may feel this is too self centered, once happy they are also the people who are most supportive, loving and add to the enjoyment of others lives, and often strong enough to put aside some happiness that would be available to them by choice so that those who they love will benefit.
Given the choice the majority of people will choose the company of happy people, therefore they become more popular and this helps them to become more confident and at times a little more extravert. Life becomes fun, they act and feel younger, and the cycle of happiness continues.
As people age their feelings mellow, so there are not the highs and lows of youth, however they are no less happy, and can throughout life be as happy as they want to be. Property and money also reduce in importance as wisdom is acquired, and love is often available to many more people.
