Posted by Dinah on August 5, 2006, at 20:32:42
In reply to Re: Are people in Rowanda happy and content?, posted by Estella on August 5, 2006, at 19:08:51
They overestimate us. I always get the same brand and flavor of spaghetti sauce, the same bread, know exactly what I'll order at any given restaurant. I know which store has my favorite spaghetti sauce, which has my favorite pickles. Most people I know do the same. I only get upset if my brand goes out of business.
I'd guess it has more to do with the fact that I only know two of my neighbors names. And only their first names at that. I wouldn't dream of sitting on my porch watching the world go by as long as there's a/c and a cable television inside.
Maybe that's why people who are active in religions are shown to be happier. It's a built in community of the old fashioned sort. Someone brings you a casserole when you've been sick. Everyone knows everyone's name - first and last - and a bit about their lives.
I'd guess at lack of connection in modern United States, not an excess of choice.
poster:Dinah
thread:674015
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060728/msgs/674099.html