If not, how do they differ?
My partner feels that Happiness is fulfillment whereas Contentment is kind of like settling for second best.
What do you think?
2007-09-27 06:47:30 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I would say, everyone has his / her own interpretation of these two very important words. That is why there won't be two people agreeing here. I personally would have to say that happiness is something rare, breathtaking and illusive. While contentment is permanent and solid like years old successful marriage. Isn't that what we ultimately are looking for in the end? I don't see how peace of mind could be someone's second best in life. However, it is only my own humble opinion.
2007-09-27 07:14:19 · answer #1 · answered by ms.sophisticate 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Being content is being satisfied with the way things are at the moment. Being happy is a feeling of joy that may come about either with the way things are at the moment, or even thinking about how things will be later, or how the were yesterday. Happiness can be felt about all things in general or just about a certain part of things. To be content, you need to be satisfied with the way things are right now, not tomorrow or yesterday. It's a time sensitive adjective. While someone can seem to be content to be miserable, no one is really content to be miserable. I have been miserable many times and chose to stay that way for fear of being even worse off, but I was not content to stay that way. To others it may have seemed that I was content, but I assure you it was only a mask to keep others from worrying about me.
2007-09-27 07:05:05 · answer #2 · answered by kcpaull 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've always thought of happiness as temporary, you can be happy one minute but if something bad happens your mood can change. Contentment is more long term. Being content is being happy with your life, your situation and just all round feeling good about life.
As an example I would say a 5 year old would be happy but it wouldn't take much to change it. Bhudda would be content cause bad things could happen to him but he would be ok no matter what.
2007-09-27 06:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by Jon C 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. Happiness is a good thing, it's what everyone is apparently searcing for- being content is to be settled.
2007-09-27 06:56:26 · answer #4 · answered by Candace C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be content to be happy, but you don't have to be happy to be content. They are similar. Contentment is necessary. Happiness is the best.
2007-09-27 07:05:39 · answer #5 · answered by Susas 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, some people are content to be miserable. How can you be happy if you are miserable ? On the other hand, how can you even be content to be miserable ? Oh, psshaw, I don't know.
2007-09-27 06:51:53 · answer #6 · answered by cashag 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I dont think they are.
I would be happy to win the lottery but am contented without it
2007-09-27 06:56:21 · answer #7 · answered by failte1950 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
twins - two sides of an object
2007-09-27 06:50:39 · answer #8 · answered by hari prasad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋