HAPPY DEFINITION:upbeat and content CATEGORIES:identity, interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:cheerful, content, jolly, lighthearted, merry, upbeat POSSIBLE CAUSES: Having a loving home environment Being satisfied in one’s job Having balanced and fulfilling relationships Being safe and secure Having strong purpose Feeling at peace with who one is ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Staying connected with family and friends Kindness and thoughtfulness Showing gratitude for what one has Being optimistic about the future; focusing on the positive Feeling satisfied at doing good and helping others Coping with life’s ups and downs in a healthy way Pursuing mental and physical health Contentment Thinking about the bigger picture and how one fits into it Looking at the bright side when something bad happens Minimal stressing and worrying Putting things into perspective Generosity and kindness Having a good sense of humor Enjoying other people and the unique talents and ideas that they offer Working well with others Humming or singing Friendliness and politeness Enjoying learning new things Forgiving others for wrongs Deriving pleasure from all that life brings Being willing to commit to the people and causes that one cares about Setting goals that will continue or increase one’s satisfaction and happiness Feeling at peace with one’s world Taking control of one’s life Not comparing oneself to others Making time for hobbies and engaging in creativity Being considerate of others Laughing and smiling Honesty and truthfulness Being trustworthy Loving others unconditionally Being persistent; pursuing the things one loves to do Self-confidence Not taking life or people for granted Challenging oneself Being proactive Noticing and appreciating beauty Daydreaming about the future ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: What a sunrise! After I finish my coffee I’ll treat Grandma to a pancake breakfast. If I work hard all summer, I can pay for snowboarding lessons this winter. What a great day. I can’t believe how beautiful it is outside. I did it! I didn’t drink pop for a whole month. I bet I could do it for another month. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:amusement, confidence, eagerness, gratitude, happiness, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Happy characters are content and fulfilled. Satisfied with their life’s direction, they take a straightforward approach to fixing the things that bother them so they can keep charging ahead. When wronged, happy people are able to forgive. They love unconditionally; this, paired with the contagious nature of happiness, makes them desirable as friends. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Happy characters will sometimes steer clear of inconveniences that would dispel their good mood. This can frustrate others, who may feel that these characters aren’t taking the situation seriously or being a team player. If a friend who is down wants to be left alone, being overly cheery and determined to bring him “up” may be the last thing he wants or needs. When the happy character’s attempts to improve his mood is rebuffed, it can lead to hurt feelings and a damaged friendship. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:The popular character Mr. Bean from theMr. Beanfranchise is always upbeat and optimistic, no matter how simple the situation or what calamities befall him. He makes the best of any scenario, smiles often, and gains joy via problem solving and innovation as he deals with humorous mishaps.Other Examples from TV and Pop Culture:Andy Taylor (The Andy Griffith Show), Santa Claus TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:grumpy, haughty, needy, oversensitive, resentful, superstitious, ungrateful CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE HAPPY CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Dealing with grief or betrayal PLOTLINE: Having to decide if a stagnating relationship should be salvaged or cut loose PLOTLINE: Facing a situation that causes doubt about one’s ability to succeed PLOTLINE: Seeing others in pain or unhappy PLOTLINE: Having one’s fortune come with a price (being promoted because a co-worker was let go)