Are people in general less happy then they were 20 years ago?

[Ricky]

For several reason i am less happy than i was 20 years ago. I feel more on edge

i think others are also. The one that is similar between then and now is that despite having my own anxieties i have some friends who are even more neurotic than I and thats not a good thing for me

 

[BaronOfHair]

Alcohol and tobacco consumption rates are down, and everyone is miserable, even though we're living to heretofore unprecedented lengths. You all do the math on this subject

 

[Bible_Belt]

More so 30 years ago, because it was pre 9/11 and the economy was great, and by that I mean great for normal people. Jobs grew on trees. At 23, I had a nice condo, 2 cars, no debt, and 50% disposable income.

20 years ago was the sweet spot for technology. There was Internet, but no social media. There were cellphones, but no I-phones. The only thing I can think of that has gotten better are televisions. Everything else just improves corporate profits with each new advancement.

 

[UK manc]

They complain more, but overall we Live Like Kings!

 

[plumber]

much better now than in the past. most problems solve themself if i just allow it.

others around me complain... but that is the same as always.

over time integrity will give calm, and knowing that being perfect is not possible.

there is always a biggest problem.

our journey ends in the same place... no need to rush.

 

[The Duke]

For several reason i am less happy than i was 20 years ago. I feel more on edge

i think others are also. The one that is similar between then and now is that despite having my own anxieties i have some friends who are even more neurotic than I and thats not a good thing for me

I think mental health is at its lowest I've seen in my time on earth. Statistics back that up as well.

Too much stress, selfishness, rage, anxiety, social media. Lots of people isolate themselves causing more issues. Not enough believers out there.

 

[Ricky]

I know one reason i am less happy is that i have always been sensitive to the moods of others and i also always try to help people if they need it

I have become a better listener but that means people call me or text me with problems constantly. I think its the constant communication that wears me down and i need to become a little less accessible to people, but i feel guilty from when i was leaning on others for support too when i had issues.

 

[The Duke]

I know one reason i am less happy is that i have always been sensitive to the moods of others and i also always try to help people if they need it

I have become a better listener but that means people call me or text me with problems constantly. I think its the constant communication that wears me down and i need to become a little less accessible to people, but i feel guilty from when i was leaning on others for support too when i had issues.

I hear ya on the constant communication thing. I feel like I am controlled by my phone and get annoyed whenever it goes off. To manage that, I don't always return calls or text back like I used to. I get 20 calls a day, lots of texts, and way too many emails.

 

[Travel memoir21]

People these days are too self absorb, more selfish, indulge in a lot of things that are bad spiritually that contributes to their lack of happiness. You don't have to be religious, but there is nothing wrong about going to church despite that, one it gives you a sense of community and two, it reinforces that you have some belief in a God out there. There is nothing wrong with a simple prayer for guidance and positivity. Let that habit be a part of your life. Also people are eating way too much fast food these days instead of a homecook meal, they're not exercising enough and not taking enough brisk walks which is crucial mental health. Not enough God consciousness and not taking care of one's physical health leads to disaster.