Happiness is how a person perceives it. As people look at happiness in different aspects and different lights, it is hard to have a rigid standard on true happiness.
Persons who find happiness in material things are rarely satisfied. The pleasure found in acquiring the latest trends of desire masks the unhappiness hidden behind the superficial euphoria.
Others find solace in their faith and religion. Comfort of a guiding hand and established, acceptable lifestyles help to affirm that happiness can only be found if you follow the rules. The fear of hell as a final destination is enough to scare the faithful onto the path of righteousness as the only true happiness.
Romantic love has always been seen as the pathway to happiness due to the intense feelings that accompany it. Couples can view true happiness in their spouses knowing they will not abandon, cheat or harm then and will always be there when they need them.
Occasionally, people can't even describe what happiness means to them. They can only describe it in terms of the five senses. They hear it in a birdsong on a warm day, they feel it in the sunshine upon their face, and they see it in the closeness of and elderly, committed couple sitting on a park bench holding hands. Roses, with their heady scent, encourage people to use this flower as representation of happiness on special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. Chocolate, as this writer can personally attest, is the taste of happiness pure.
Ceremonies such as weddings, anniversaries and christenings have traditionally been seen as happy occasions with the overwhelming opposites of laughter and tears.
As with any high, there is a low. The dark side of happiness is not a pleasant subject. With such powerful emotions, the delicate balancing act of temperance will take place regardless of anyone's permission. A radiant bride floating down the aisle for the third time is a blatant sign that happiness with one person isn't always and forever.
