If You're Unhappy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands

"Happiness is a byproduct of function, purpose, and conflict; those who seek happiness for itself seek victory without war." - William S. Burroughs

Life is so complicated. There are so many people out there and they all have different ideas, opinions, and expectations. And we are supposed to care about ALL of them. Of course, we care about some more than others, and we will offend a stranger for the benefit of a loved one. Think Black Friday sales. But what I'm still trying to figure out is where my own feelings fit in the ranks. I don't want to be selfish or petty. I just want to matter. No one else is going to put me at the top of the list, so it's up to me to fight for what I need. So, to me falls the heavy job: I must continually determine what matters enough to subject not only myself to confrontation, but to also subject my friends and family to my demands. Occasionally, ...OK, -all too often, my mood overrides my intellect, and I can't reason myself out of being upset. Thanks, hormones. Whose problem is that? Mine, I know, but still I hope for support and comfort. I hope someone cares. I say, in a healthy relationship, there can only be one person at a time having a fit. The other should summon all their powers of listening, patience, and understanding. (After all, we can hardly expect an angry person to be calm or rational.) When I get over myself, you can take a turn. Deal? Sounds perfectly rational to me.