Yesterday I was reading about a new study that proved that happy people were 22% less likely to develop heart disease than people who were on the emotional middle ground. The grumpier the people were, the more likely they were to develop heart disease. Although the researchers weren’t ready to implicitly state that happiness protects the heart, they did list a whole plethora of health benefits that seem to favor happy people.
You know, speaking as a non-health professional with only a dabbling of high school biology, I am shocked… shocked! that medical professionals are only now recognizing that DUH! people should strive to be happy. And you know what makes me happy? Happy endings.
I am a total doofus for a book that gets me all warm and smiley inside. It colors my entire day and I’ll be walking through the mall or the grocery store and I’ll think back to the book I was last reading (or sometimes writing!) and start to smile. Before you know it, someone will see me smile and smile back, and it’s all because of that book and that one scene or gooey ending or set of characters. Sometimes we forget the little tiny moments of the day that ignite a chain of responses that go far beyond 240 pages in 12 point font.
So, I’m done with trying to justify my reading choices. Somebody else take the vein-ripping suicide tropes; this is American Hearth Month (L) , so I’m reading for my heart health. I’m going to watch American Idol and not feel guilty. I’m going to daydream out the window and worry about the laundry later. I’m going to tell a stupid joke to my kids so that they will roll their eyes. And I’m going to stick with my happy endings.
So these are the things that I do to stay happy. What about you all? What makes you happy? Anybody else read romances to be happy? Heheheh… Now you can get all sanctimonious and judgmental and say, “I read them because they’re heart-smart.”
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Good Morning Kathleen! I agree with you. I totally read them cause they make me happy! Also reading them lets me kinda live in a different set of shoes, even if its just for 200 pages, lol! Other things that make me happy are hearing my kids giggling when they are playing, or watching my oldest teach his brother or sister something new, cuddling on the couch watching a kids movie that we have seen at least a dozen times with my youngest, who still likes to cuddle with mom, lol! Then theres baking, which I love, and of course reading a great book! And my favorite is just hanging out with my hubby talking or watching a movie or catching up on our shows. (*)
Alina,
When I look over your list, when I look over my list, I realize what tiny moments are there to make us happy. Keep up the smiley face.
I am with Alina it is nice to be in another world only if it is for a few hours that is why sometimes it is so hard when the book ends you want it to go on forever.
I believe we need to be happier but this world is so full of stress and hate I have been having a hard time wtih that trying to stay away from people who are mean all the time and not happy.
I am happy to read reading romances makes us so happy I will keep on reading them I better read them a little faster.
I wished he didn’t have to work and we could only do the things that make us happy!!
Brenda, very smart to stay away from the professional mopers. Stick with us romance fans, we’ll keep you smiling!
I love HEA which is why I love reading romance. The nay sayers have no idea what they are missing. I have never understood why people always pick serious or depressing, dark books. People say “oh they are so predictable”. Each books has its own characters and story and I love knowing they will get a HEA. I’m never stopping reading romance. Thanks to you and all the other authors that keep me entertained and smiling. (Y) (*)
Donna, Thank you for being a reader, and gizing us authors something to do with our days! (H)
Hey Kathleen, I absolutely read romances to help lift my spirits. They brighten my day, and I love being able to lose myself for a bit. Sometimes, if the books are really good, I feel as if I am a character in the and I experience everything I am reading about do. It is one of the most amazing feelings, except for those instances when sadness encroaches on this happy moment. After reading, I might be sad for a bit, but then I do remember the good things. I use these experiences as a paradigm for dealing with the “dark” times in my life sometimes. It is much easier to do that sometimes.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Paula, very true. I have learned a lot about perseverance and determination from reading romances as well. (I)
I agree that happiness often comes in the little things. There’s a lot to be unhappy about in the world, but we each in our own way work to bring a little joy into the every day. It’s why I sculpt and paint cute, happy little creatures who serve little purpose beyond making you smile.
Reading romance is a great way to do that. Books with heart and soul and the knowledge that for at least the length of the book, the world makes sense and the good guy wins the girl (and vice versa) in the end.
Laure, an excellent philosophy! You’ll have to send pics of your work. I’d love to see cute, happy little creatures. (@)