I genuinely don't know. I only know what makes me momentarily forget about the lack of happines but I don't think that's the same thing.
this post was submitted on 08 Dec 2025
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I would normally say thats strange, but after covid, I can only say its normal.
I want to go back to the 1990s but have to be here in 2025.
Anhedonia perhaps?
Bird photography. I’m a person who tends toward depression. It was honestly very surprising the first time I noticed that when I’m photographing birds I have a huge smile on my face the whole time.
I’ve been learning the ins and outs of my camera gear for the last year and making small improvements is really satisfying. But really it’s just being out in nature, looking at adorable birds and capturing those moments for later.
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Dopamine mostly
Walking my dog in a winter forest.
Tinkering/assembling stuff and see it come to life. Bonus points if it's something my kids can join in on.
Other contenders: (good) food, music, weather
It really depends. Sometimes it's drumming, sometimes going on an outing and doing car karaoke on the way, and sometimes I can't find anything that helps and just have to wait for unhappiness to subside.
Video games.
Someone else's genitals on my face.
Fixing things. Mostly if it's for someone else.
Unfortunately as far as work goes, two of the things that make me most unhappy: driving, traffic, are tied to the job of fixing things for people so I quit that job :/
Damn. I usually got around that by having people send things to me to fix at my workbench, and then I mail them back.
Making music
Cuddling with my partner in bed. Especially early in the morning, when I give myself an extra half hour to just stay close together for a little while longer.
Substance abuse and PC gaming
I never thought I’d say this, but going to work actually makes me happy. I work with autistic and disabled children, and man, they give me life. Helping them learn and grow, seeing them pick up and apply new skills, hearing their unique observations, and witnessing their creativity all bring joy to my day.
I’m currently waiting for my first learner of the day to arrive, and I know that when he gets here he’ll be making the most joyful squeals as he plays with his favorite ball. His smile is like caffeine mixed with sunshine, energizing me every morning even on the hardest days.
Don’t get me wrong, this job has its challenges, but the fulfillment I get from working with this population is immeasurable. It took many years of crappy jobs with crappy management before I got here, and I’m glad to say I think I finally found the job where I belong.
I'm glad people like you exist. You're making the world a better place
Oh, thank you for this interesting perspective! It's kind of rare for me to hear people to say that they like their jobs because many of them despise what they do because (most of the time) of unfair compensation and unfulfillment in life. Also because negativity shows up more often on social media.
my cat, my friends, FOG!, snow in the morning, a good cuppa coffee...
mostly it's having a nice moment to enjoy anything rly 😅
Music
Food
Watching dogs
Running
Play with my nieces
Stargate SG1, a beer, some nachos and nobody else home.
Knowing that maybe I brightened someone's day on the internet :)
Thanks. Even with a dark theme, your comment increased the brightness.
Lots of things. Working on a project, reading a good book, a nice meal, vibing in nature, pleasant exercise. There's a lot of suffering in the world, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy everyday things.
Taking a drive when it's sunny and traffic is light.
Cooking from a new recipe and having it come out good.
Sliding into bed on new sheet night.
You could do all 3 at the same time in a camper van.
I sure hope I never encounter you on the road while you're sleep cooking in your camper van.
Someone giving a crap about me and taking care of me. I take care of everyone and everything in my family and work. I had a short stay in the hospital for a surgery. Ironically, even with recovering from surgery, it remains one of my happiest memories because everyone took care of me.
must be nice. never had that experience. been hospitalized a few times and nobody showed up, not even family. they just called and told me i was a selfish jerk for getting sick/hurt.
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Mostly spilling blood for the blood god. I dabble in collecting skulls for the skull throne as well when they’re in season.
cats
Being loved and respected by the people in my life.
I found it by reflecting on the things that truly gave me fulfillment in life. Once you strip away the noise the only thing is left is the people in your life.
My nephew
master baiting
Being able to paint when I have time and can be alone
My family (this includes my cat), my friends, estrogen, foggy weather.
Doing stuff. Exercise, learning, projects, etc.
I can't understand people who want to do nothing. As in, sit there passively and watch a screen and/or drink and complain about their life. I feel like a lot of people do this and it is why they are miserable and unhappy. At least that's how it comes across to me. I only ever want to do that if I'm exhausted, injured, or sick. In fact I most of the last month watching TV because I was injured, and then very ill for about a total of 3 weeks. It was super depressing/miserable, I also was so weak I had to get delivery of meals/groceries. Blows my mind that many people I meet want to be like that 24/7, like I went on a date two weeks ago with a lady and she said 3 weeks sitting around doing nothing sounded blissful to her... I was going absolutely insane.
I find it hard to make friends because I want to do things and most people... don't. Most of my friends are very active people, but it feels like the vast majority of socialization among people is just complaining and drinking. My Thanksgiving holiday was 3 days of listening to people complain, watch sports, and drink.
Mostly spending time with my boyfriend. My life currently revolves mostly around the weekends because that is the time we can meet more often.
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