Which one would you rather choose? Let’s make it simple by looking at the definitions of each. Happiness is an emotion that you can feel rather than a sensation that continues throughout life. You can be momentarily happy, you can be temporarily happy, and you can be happy for quite some time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t feeling other emotions. Whereas, when you look at contentment, it seems like a whole feeling. You can be happy, sad, angry, or feeling any other emotion, but if you are content with where your life is at, with what you are feeling at the moment, then the random changes of emotions don’t seem to be affecting you as much, because you feel content with the general course of your life.
The feeling of happiness is something that a lot of people long for in today’s society. Whether we search for that consistently or look for certain instances throughout our day for a glimpse of happiness, we are in constant longing for the feeling. We also have to keep in mind that happiness is subjective. What makes me happy might not mean much to someone else and vice versa.
The feeling of contentment is something that you long for later in life, around your 20s. The transition between you getting sick of trying to chase the momentary high you feel from a glimpse of happiness to wanting a more calm and collected lifestyle. We could also classify contentment as satisfaction or, to go more in-depth, an unfixed provisional state of happiness. This doesn’t necessarily mean that if you are happy, you are content.
Recently individuals have found more comfort in searching for contentment rather than happiness as it makes them feel more whole. They can experience all of their emotions that are on the spectrum and live a healthier mindset rather than constantly striving for a momentary high from happiness. To give an example, Let’s say I apply to two different jobs, both at the same salary rate, but one of them is a well-known company, whereas the other is a start-up. If I get an offer from the start-up and not from the other, I will be sad, but I will be content with my new job as I will be making the same amount regardless. Let’s look at it from a different angle. Say I despise my new job after working two months, but my salary allows me to support my family and my needs. I’m not necessarily happy with the job, but the fulfillment I feel whenever my paycheck hits could be enough for me to feel content.
There’s a really thin line between happiness and contentment, and it is generally very hard to be aware of if you do not acknowledge the differences between the two.
~Dr. S.Yeliz Orhan
