The Pursuit Of Happiness

“Dear Abby” once received a letter from a fifteen-year-old girl which read as follows:

Happiness is knowing that your parents won’t almost kill you if you come home a little late. Happiness is having your own bedroom. Happiness is having parents that trust you. Happiness is getting the telephone call you’ve been praying for. Happiness is getting good grades and making your parents proud of you. Happiness is being a member of a popular circle. Happiness is having parents who don’t fight. Happiness is knowing that you’re dressed as well as anybody. Happiness is something I don’t have — Signed, “Fifteen and Unhappy”

Shortly after the letter was published, “Dear Abby” received a response from a thirteen-year-old girl who wrote:

Dear Abby — Happiness is being able to walk. Unhappiness is being able to talk. Happiness is being able to see. Happiness is reading a letter from a fifteen-year-old girl who can do all three things and still says she isn’t happy.…