which word comes closest to describe HAPPINESS: Elusive, Deceitful, Imaginary, Fickle or Adaptable?

Question

why so?

Answer 1

Let's look at each possibility:

1) elusive? I think happiness can be found easily if one knows where to look.
2) deceitful? I don't think happiness itself can be deceitful, although a person can deceive others into thinking that he or she is happy.
3) imaginary? I can't agree because I've known happiness.
4) fickle? While I agree that some people are happy in certain situations that others are not, I think that it's because of choices made by those people.
5) adaptable? This is probably the one I come closest to agreeing with, although I think people can be happy because they're adaptable, rather than happiness being adaptable. True happiness, I believe, mainly comes from being grateful for what one has rather than focusing on what doesn't have.

Answer 2

I can say without prevarication that happiness is completely imaginary. This isn't as bad as it sounds. Here's an example:

You buy a lottery ticket, you listen to the numbers, and discover that you've won. Millions upon millions of dollars. Almost anyone would be happy at that point.

But consider: You don't have the money yet. The only thing that has changed in your life is that you THINK you will be getting money. This idea is completely in your head, and it has made you happy. And arguably, even if the idea had nothing to do with reality (you mis-read your ticket) you would still be happy... at least until your idea was corrected.

And that's the point. There are people who are happy in circumstances which would render most people miserable. The circumstances are identical. The only difference can be in the person's head. Just like all emotions really.

Thus, happiness is completely imaginary. All you have to do is imagine it!

Answer 3

Adaptable is the best description for me because I believe that happiness is a choice.

If I chose to be happy no mater what then it is adaptable. If I let circumstances rule or expectations affect that too.would be a choice and then I would have to rename it as elusive or deceitful...

Answer 4

Imaginary, for the most part, because if you can believe and hope you feel happy for lengths,and because you feel happiness e.g. glad, optomistic,ambitious like a natural gift more often than you get the favorite thing that you've been waiting for. Fickle, as the second choice because when you achieve happy/thrilled/satisfied(for now)--you'll soon start growing another want or recognition of need.

Answer 5

Adaptable.
My capacity for happiness is certainly adaptable.
Although none of the words are appropriate for describing happiness (IMO), because happiness is something that is 100% in the control of the person who is feeling it (or not). None of those words give control to the person, but instead to the emotion.....

Answer 6

Adaptable.

Because happiness is individual and springs from within. We can adapt to our situation or adapt our situation to us but must create our happiness from within regardless or else. Adapting to others creates second-hand happiness which isn't true.

(plus, it was the only choice you gave that didn't seem completely negative)

I recommend The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.

Answer 7

Are those the only 5 choices?

I would say elusive. It's not easily attained therefore I chose elusive.

Answer 8

Elusive is closest to describe happiness. Happiness is temporary and can be missed if one is not ready.

Answer 9

Adaptable ~ accepting

Answer 10

Deceitful -- with all good comes the bad