While writing an article on ‘Cognitive Bias’, I read many quotes of several legendary philosophers, writers, and artists. One quote by an Irish poet, the wittiest, Oscar Wilde, became one of my most favorite quotes I have read and used so far; my laughter was unstoppable and I enjoyed it whenever I shared it with my family and friends:

‘Some people cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go’ – Oscar Wilde

I was so inspired by this quote that it made me write something about the art of making or keeping people happy with my presence; of course I would never like to be linked to the other part of this quote. Therefore, this blog post is more focused towards creating and maintaining a scintillating atmosphere, while briefly reviewing how easily we can repel the brightness life brings to us.

On a broader canvas of human characters, the world is generally grouped in two distinct camps: those who bring joy and brightness with their entry, and those who do the same with their exit. But what makes this contrast so interesting? How do some people light up a room, while others are just agents of darkness?

Spreading happiness is an art. But, first, we must understand that happiness does not mean only humor or laughter, it is more profoundly associated with minimizing adversities with kind words, sharing hopes, and bringing smile on the faces dusted with hardships.

1. Introduction: Spreading Happiness

Since it’s is all about spreading happiness, first we must establish the fact that happiness is not limited to laughter and leisure, it is more to do with the fulfillment of emotional sentiments.

Laughter, being the buoyant burst of merriment that fills a room with infectious energy, can lift our spirit, and leisure can relax our minds; but the impact of empathy and giving hope to spread happiness is far deeper, providing someone at least a reason to smile in the hardest of time. It’s the understanding that we are connected; in lifting others we lift ourselves. This profound happiness validates the beauty of the human spirit and the extraordinary power of kindness, i.e. fulfilling the definition of humanity.

In this article, we’ll explore happiness using relevant quotes, practical tips, and the importance of self-awareness in our quest to be the kind of people who spread happiness wherever we go.

At least we can try to act happy to ease out or deceive the toughness of the time enveloping our days and nights. In this article, we’ll meet the joy makers, the empaths, the drama kings and queens, the pessimists, and we’ll also learn the balancing act to remove happiness hurdles; because life is too short to be nothing but happy!

2. Catalysts And Repellents of Rejoice

When we meet people, either known or strangers, the interaction is either pleasing or distressing, in general. To me, this is the fundamental truth of human interactions. We all adore people who light up a room just by walking in, while others leave us breathing a sigh of relief when they exit. This contrast isn’t just funny, it’s an interesting look at how we impact each other’s lives.

Have you ever noticed how some people can brighten your day with a simple smile, while others seem to carry a personal cloud that dampens even the sunniest of occasions? It’s not just about the glass being half full or half empty, it’s about who knows the art of filling up those glasses with joy, laughter, and positive vibes.

Whether it’s your always-cheerful sibling who transforms dullness into fun, or a friend whose empathy makes your worst time a little more bearable, these happiness heroes play pivotal roles in our lives. Conversely, you may also be surrounded by those who can turn an otherwise pleasant atmosphere into an absolute depression with their negativity.

The beauty of Wilde’s quote lies in its timeless relevance; it sums up the essence of social values in just a few words. Let’s dive deeper and explore the implications of being a happiness catalyst or repellent.

3. The Happiness Catalysts

The happiness catalysts are individuals who cherish people around them with their positive energy, humor, and empathy. They create environments where others feel valued, understood, and joyful; often turning miserable moments into memorable experiences. Their presence marks a flare of positivity, developing strong relationships and encouraging a culture of happiness and well-being.

3.1. The Joy-Makers

‘Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everyone else’ — Margaret Mead

These are the folks who have a joke for every occasion. Their quick wit and humor are infectious, spreading laughter like a virus. You know them well—the office colleague, the family prankster, or the friends who always have the funniest moments to share. They don’t just enter the room, they burst in with a laugh track.

3.2. The Empaths

‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel’ — Maya Angelou

Empaths are the emotional glue in any social group. They listen, understand, and provide comfort. Their ability to connect on a deep level makes them indispensable in times of crisis. When you’re having a rough day, it’s these people who sit with you, offering a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement.

Think about that friend who always knows when something’s wrong, even if you’re trying to hide it. They bring you your favorite drink, sit with you through your venting session, and somehow, after an hour of talking, you feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. That’s the magic of an empath.

3.3. The Enthusiasts

‘Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive’ — Elbert Hubbard

Enthusiasts are like human espresso shots. They’re full of energy and excitement, turning dull moments into mini-adventures. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they have the guts of finding joy in the simplest things. Whether it’s organizing a spontaneous brunch or a last-inute road trip, enthusiasts make life feel like one big, happy rollercoaster.

On your dull weekends or holidays, their enthusiast effect can take you to an unplanned picnic or you may end-up playing Frisbee in a farm-house in the suburbs of your hometown.

4. The Happiness Repellents

The happiness repellants are the individuals who tend to drain the joy with their negativity, complaints, and drama. Their presence can create tension and discomfort, often overshadowing the positive aspects of a situation. While they may not always intend to bring others down, their behavior can have a significant negative impact on the overall mood and feelings.

4.1. The Perpetual Pessimists

‘’A pessimist is a man who thinks everybody is as nasty as himself, and hates them for it’ — George Bernard Shaw

Perpetual pessimists are the black holes of happiness. Their glass is always half empty, and they have a special talent for finding the cloud in every silver lining. Their negativity is so potent that it can turn a sunny day into a gloomy one with just a single comment.

It often happens, while you feel great on a pleasant holiday, but your always complaining friend arrives, and within five minutes, he could convince you that the weather outside is too hot, the economy is doomed, and humanity is generally hopeless. Suddenly, your good mood becomes a distant memory.

4.2. The Drama Queens and Kings

‘I’m not arguing, I’m just explaining why I’m right’ — Unknown

Drama queens and kings thrive on chaos. They have a weird ability to turn every minor inconvenience into a full-blown tragedy. Their constant need for attention and flair for the drama can exhaust even the most patient of people.

We often find a colleague who makes a scene over every little thing—the jammed printer, the misplaced stapler, the network problem, or the overdone toast in the lunch room. By the time they finish their tirade, you feel like you’ve run a marathon. These folks are the living embodiment of ‘too much’.

4.3. The Chronic Complainers

‘The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat’ — Lily Tomlin

Chronic complainers are a step beyond pessimists. They not only see the negativity in everything but feel compelled to vocalize it constantly. They’re the ones who find fault in the best-laid plans and see problems where others see opportunities.

No wonder, you plan and execute a perfect vacation with a group of cousins or friends. Everyone would be excited but you will find one person who spends the entire trip pointing out the flaws—too hot, too crowded, too expensive, and so on. By the end of the vacation, everyone would be preparing for another vacation, and this time from that cousin or friend.

5. The Balancing Act To Remove Happiness Hurdles

Happiness does not mean just laughter and enjoying leisure time. It has much wider dimensions. Happiness is found in the acts of kindness, bringing hopes and positive vibes in the life of those who are facing adversity, and in making them smile to empower them with energy and resilience, to face the hardship which creates hurdles on their way to a happy life.

Let’s see how we can try balancing our actions to remove such happiness hurdles:

5.1. The Importance of Self-Awareness

‘To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom’ — Socrates

The key to transit through the full spectrum of happiness is self-awareness. Understanding which category you fall into, can help you make adjustments and be more considerate of others. Would you chose to be the joy-maker who sometimes goes too far? Or, the empath who takes on too much? Or perhaps the pessimist who always looks to find the silver linings?

Self-awareness is not just about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses; it’s about understanding how your behavior affects others around you. It begins with self-reflection. Take time to assess your interactions with others. Do you often find people laughing and smiling in your presence, or do they seem relieved when you leave? Be honest with yourself about your tendencies.

It makes me quoting Oscar Wilde again, ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken’.

5.2. The Role of Humor

‘Smile is the shortest distance between two people’ — Victor Borge

Humor is a powerful tool in bridging the gap between the joy-makers and the happiness repellents. It works like an asteroid in diffusing tension, building connections, and creating memorable moments. Even the most cynical of people can appreciate a good laugh. The trick is to find the right balance and know when to brighten the atmosphere.

5.3. The Power of Positivity

‘Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you’ — Walt Whitman

Cultivating a positive outlook can transform your interactions and overall well-being. Positivity isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges but rather approaching them with a different, and constructive mindset. By focusing on the good and finding joy in small things, you can become a source of happiness wherever you go.

6. Practical Tips For Spreading Happiness

6.1. Be Generous with Compliments

‘Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” — Mother Teresa

Compliments are a simple yet powerful way to make someone’s day. Genuine praise can lift spirits and create a positive atmosphere. So, the next time you see something you like, speak up!

6.2. Practice Active Listening

‘Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply’ — Stephen R. Covey

Active listening is a crucial component for anyone aiming to spread happiness. It’s more than just hearing words; it’s about fully engaging with the speaker, understanding the message, and responding thoughtfully. It shows that you value the other person’s perspective. It fosters connection and trust, making people feel heard and appreciated.

When we practice active listening, we show others that their thoughts and feelings are valued, which can significantly enhance relationships and contribute to a positive atmosphere.

6.3. Share Laughter

‘A day without laughter is a day wasted’ — Charlie Chaplin

Find opportunities to share a laugh, whether through jokes, funny stories, or playful banter. Laughter is a universal language that can bridge divides and bring people together. I would like to add family in Chaplin’s quote, because our laughter outside home doesn’t bring happiness at home. Therefore, ‘a day without laughter at home is a day absolute wasted’. I have wasted many, and I know what it means!

6.4. Be Kind

‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted’ — Aesop

Acts of kindness, big or small, have a ripple effect. Holding the door open, offering a helping hand, or simply smiling at a stranger can spread positivity and brighten someone’s day. In last two years, during my frequent visits to hospitals for me and my wife, I have seen many dusted faces and witnessed the colors a word of hope could bring to those faces.

6.5. Stay Positive

‘Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you’ — Walt Whitman

A positive attitude is contagious. It involves focusing on the brighter aspects of every situation, practicing gratitude, with positive thinking. Maintaining an optimistic outlook, our attitude can set the tone for the environment, creating a ripple effect of happiness, and we can inspire others to do the same.

7. Conclusion

‘Some people cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go’ — Oscar Wilde

This timeless quote encapsulates the essence of human interaction. We all have the power to influence the happiness of those around us, whether by bringing joy and rays of hope with our presence or prompting relief with our departure. The choice is ours, whether we opt to be the catalyst for a cheerful environment or repellant.

Undoubtedly, laughter is an infectious eruption that fills the entire house with the burst of joy, the kind of happiness everyone rightfully dreams and desires.

On the other hand, providing a reason to smile for those facing adversities is like planting a seed in a barren land. It may not bloom immediately but with time, care, and continued kindness, it will grow. Each act of empathy and each kind word is a drop of water nurturing that seed. This kind of happiness is not about loud declarations but about the gentle, persistent acts that bring light in darker avenues.

With humor, empathy, and positivity, we can strive to be the kind of people who cause happiness wherever we go. Just remember, life is too short to be nothing but happy.

By adopting a positive attitude and focusing on bringing joy to people around us, we can create a ripple effect of happiness that extends far beyond our immediate circle.

I conclude my article with Mark Twain’s remarkable words, ‘The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer-up someone else’.

Cheers and thanks for reading