On the Things That Make People Truly Happy

 'For if man had all other goods, but not friendship, he would not choose to live.' I've found this statement to be absolutely true. You can have all the latest gadgets and electronics, amenities and luxuries, but if you don't have friends, then you're probably not a happy camper. No one is more sad than a person without friends. I've found that you have to choose your friends wisely, however. You have to be able to take off your mask and just be yourself around your true friends. True friends won't make you wear a mask and walk on eggshells just to fit in. Just because you fit in, doesn't mean you belong. Alone time is peaceful, but over time, without social interaction, the mind begins to run amok. You begin to see danger everywhere and start to recluse even more. You'll even begin to lose desire in solo activities such as reading, gaming, or even watching YouTube, because you're yearning for connection to balance out these endeavors. Nothing will have meaning, and it seems pointless if you have to do things all by yourself and only by yourself. Sure, true glory doesn't necessitate praise or recognition, but being validated by another human being does quite a bit for the soul.