Happiness is defined in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as "a state of well-being
and contentment". Is it possible to obtain and conquer happiness? In the short story
"How", Lorrie Moore believes that life's occurrences fall into a subsequent order, and the
characterization of sincere happiness does not fall into this arrangement. For "from time to
time you will gaze at his face and his hands and want nothing but him", but eventually love
begins to fade. Passion fades into confusion, leading to boredom, lies, suffocation, and a
search for a reason to stay (Moore 79). Does love always fade off into the distance? Is
pessimism a way of life? Or could it be that this negative order reveals the fate of only a
small amount of people, leaving millions in a world of happiness.
Moore refers to attempts in life as tries that "sputter and deflate like balloons"
(Moore 79). Although many goals in life do fail, it is wrong to believe that no matter how
hard one tries, the attempt will turn out pointless. One should not give up because love
and happiness can over power doubts and failure.
The meeting of one's significant other's family can be a large chore and sometimes
a difficult experience. Moore speaks of a horrible situation where the family obviously
does not like the man's girlfriend. The family's eyes find themselves staring at the
unknown person, but quickly look away when noticed (Moore 79). This situation can be
avoided and does not always occur. It is possible that a family appreciates one's significant
other and speaks to this person with acceptance and appreciation.
Sometimes in relationships, love can lead to an opening of new opportunities and
interests. One finds himself participating in activities that relate to their significant other's
thoughts and feelings. The individual wants to ignite a deep conversati...