I don't have romantic love in my life right now, unfortunately, nor have I had in some time. I don't have a lot of accomplishments, nor a tremendous number of ambitions beyond some vague if/then ideas. I feel as if there's a fair amount of room for improvement in the happiness levels in my life. But that said, I'm not unhappy. But why not? Why do I, for the most part, feel okay about things?

It's possible part of the answer comes down to genes and chemicals. I've always been generally optimistic (though I've certainly had my bad periods). But beyond that, which I couldn't really explain and which wouldn't be a helpful answer, it's a tough question.

I have a few good friends, and that helps. I have an active imagination, which I use more for dreaming up nice things that make me feel happy than for dreaming up nice things and being bitter that I don't have them. I have video games that I like to play, combined with a completionist bent that gives me lots to do in them. I have plenty of books to read, movies and tv shows to watch. I have the internet, which gives me cool/interesting/exciting things to look at. I have a relativey nice place to live. I have a family that I mostly like. I have an apartment where I can enjoy privacy and solitude when I want it. I have a job that is sometimes long in the tooth but mostly kind of cushy, even if it doesn't pay that much.

I have hopes. That might be a big one. I have hopes that there are certain things I can eventually have, including romantic love, ideally combined with physical intimacy this time. And I know that there will always be new things to entertain me -- new movies, books, tv episodes, video games. There will be new places to explore.

I think that all of these things make life worth living.

The harder question is, if you don't have any of these things, or if they are not enough, then what? Why don't you have them? What could you do to get them? Why are they not enough? What more do you want?

I don't mean you specifically, Roh. That's more of the general you. And they may be rhetorical questions, if they apply at all. I'm sure everyone is different, both in what they have, what they want, and how it all combines to form their level of happiness.

I hope you are well though!