why is it that the older I get, the less happy I am?
462890
If you haven't already, read Viktor Frankl's book, "Man's Search for Meaning."  It not only tells of his experiences in the Concentration Camps, but discusses the basic elements of Logotherapy...that is, therapy through finding meaning in life.  To respond directly to your question, "happiness" is a by-product of finding meaning--The more meaning you discover, the more happy you will find yourself.  Think about it...Best wishes as you discover the answers as the "co-creator" of your life.
138957
Sounds like you are having typical thoughts for somebody your age where you realize that you are not going to live forever and wonder if you have wasted your life. You see that the time you have left is getting shorter and there is so much you would still like to do.\n\nSometimes when we get older, we have to realize that it is probably too late to do anything earth shattering or to undo the things we regret. Still you are young enough to put your energies into helping those around you and shining where you are.
579590
ya i feel that loads of times but its not true and you most certainly are not ugly even though i have not seen you before. Its easy to feel unhappy but try smiling and see what a big difference it makes!
782059
Everyone is saying that these days and I feel the same.  It is not only because it is around the time of my birthday but there is a different feel to the Christmas season.  \n\nIt is a fact that people act nicer to one another and things they would have ignored or treated slightly during the rest of the year, they seem to become more attentive to and kinder to each other.  \n\nAs life rolls by, the peace appears to be less and less.  A phrase that is being beaten to a frazzle in these times is "There's is no more love!"  People are very much afraid to talk, be friendly and just live as before.  I don't exactly blame them - it's the times in which we live.  \n\nIt's just a shame, that's all!
955241
If you are a good person and areal friend dont worry about anything you cant be friends with everyone. The saying is true the older you get the less friends you have because you cant have time for everyone also you can not have things in common with everyone. I am 32 now and I remember your age it was so hard you feel depresessed alot. Think about the good things about your self the things you like and focus on those things and be confident. Good Luck
632856
i had the same problem,a few years ago,you have got to take your time,it took me about 2 years to really feel well again,so do not rush things,,,,,,,,,,be happy
655732
I am 27, married, 2 little girls 3 1/2 and 10 months, and I had a good job with a bank until 2 weeks ago. And no, none of that guaranteed happiness. Happiness comes from accepting who you are, what you want, and working to make youself the best person you can be. No oustide factors will change that. They may add to it, enhance it, make it more convenient, but they will not be what makes you happy.
429595
This seems a bit cold - and I apologize for that. But you need to really take a GOOD look around - you're typing on a computer about how depressed and upset you are. Atleast you have a house under you, which some people don't. Some people would literally kill just to have a roof over their head, and you definately would not hear those people complain that they were depressed. Life is short, yes, and sometimes it can be lonely, depressing, irritating, etc. But when you look at what you have, compared to the guy you see every day on your way home from work, or school if you're not as old as some of us, you have it pretty good. He holds a sign that reads "Homeless and Hungry - Please Help", and meanwhile you roll your window up and try not to make eye contact. Maybe turn the radio up a little to tune him out altogether. You get home and Mom or Dad, or both, cook dinner and sit down with you each night to hear all about your day. Or if you are old like us (relax, just mean over 18 or 21) you might be the one sitting down with your children to hear them talk excitedly about the day they had. Just thinking of my family can usually cheer me up when I am feeling down. Also, giving money to that guy helps to make me feel a little better. \n\nJust think about your family, friends, your car, your stereo system, your last good hook-up, whatever makes you feel happy and better, when you are feeling down.
1128737
My sentiments exactly. I am in my sixties and I have laughed all my life. I find humor in a lot of things. I have had a ruff life but if I wasn't able to laugh at anything I would probably be dead by now because I would be worrying about what made my live so ruff. I learned to move on and leave the past in the past and be as happy as I can.
983524
The same way you enjoy your 30's, 50', 60's etc. A number is just that. It is who you are and how you feel about life in general that effects how you enjoy anything. Just because you turn _____ age does not mean you are over the hill, it means you mature, you know more of what really makes you happy, you are in tune with yourself more than ever, and don't worry about what everybody else thinks. You are a special individual, decide to enjoy life no matter what your chronilogical age may be. If you sit around and worry about it you are wasting valuable energy you could use living La Vida Loca.  Grab the gusto and give it all you got. You only go round once.
613356
Well in case you're older than that, then you should be happy with their impression. Means you have a young, playful soul that will never grow old. : )
764053
You are as old as you feel ..... so go and feel any cute young man that comes your way ... believe me it will make you feel a lot happier .... it certainly does the trick for me - lol
638825
Birthdays are great and who cares wot age you are!  I'm doing a law degree and I turned 37 last month - I still feel the same as I've always felt - young and full of life -searching for the answers on how to be successful, make a difference and to contribute to the world in general!  \n\nYou should never get depressed about your age that's when you become old.  I'll always be 18 til the day I die and I hope I have many more birthdays to celebrate before that day.  Remember you are a long time dead - so just embrace life and have fun, age is only a number!\n\nI nearly forgot HAPPY BIRTHDAY - always remember your birthday is a day to celebrate - it's yours and always will be no one can take that from you - so enjoy - open a bottle of bubbly, let your hair down and PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!!!
994034
For a lot of reasons, you can just feel unsatisfied with where you are in life.  That's not only restricted to middle age.  If it's been going on for 6 months, you should try and do something about it.  You don't want to be unhappy and you don't want your unhappiness to affect your family life.  Take a good look at things: do you feel like there's something in particular that's missing?  Would you feel more fulfilled if you tried something new and exciting?  I wish you the best of luck.
723997
I'm not truly happy, I guess I'm pretty happy though when I put it into perspective.. But I don't want things to stay the same as they are now. Since I'm very young and have lots of time to change things, I hope to be truly happy in the future and find everything I am looking for. I hope that for everyone else too.
60023
I think people in general care about you less and show less affection as you get older.
843592
This feeling applies to nearly everyone.  A simple fact of human nature is to seek familiarity.  This is why we feel most comfortable around those we love and know well.  This is why we feel sorrow when we lose a loved one or when a normal routine is permanently removed from our lives. The longer that "thing" is a part of our lives, the more we miss it when it's gone.\n\nAt the same time, we are adaptive creatures.  We adjust to new things, often slowly at first, until they become common place in our lives.  The cycle is repeated hundreds of times throughout our lives...and it's all part of the human experience.