"At some point in our lives, most of us have been told to "put on a happy face" or "fake it 'til you make it." But it may be detrimental to pretend to be happy when you're not. The more people value happiness, the more unhappy they are A 2024 study by Zerwas, et al. surveyed 1,800 people about their level of happiness and their desire to be happy."
"To be clear, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. (Phew!) But you may run into trouble when you judge yourself for wanting happiness more than you appreciate the authentic moments of happiness that come to you naturally, like spontaneous laughter with friends or happening across a beautiful sunrise. If you find yourself putting pressure on yourself to feel as happy as someone else appears to be, this can take a toll on your overall well-being."
Wanting to be happy more intensely can paradoxically reduce overall happiness. A 2024 study of 1,800 people found that a stronger desire for happiness correlated with greater disappointment. Comparing oneself to others and judging one's own happiness increases negative emotions and undermines wellbeing. Faking emotions to meet expectations raises stress and contributes to cognitive dissonance, which associates with anxiety, sadness, irritability, and self-doubt. Experiencing emotions that feel authentic, rather than forcing positivity, is a stronger predictor of happiness. Overanalyzing or pressuring oneself to feel happier can drain spontaneity and reduce enjoyment of moments.
Read at Psychology Today
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