The pressure to “be happy” often backfires. Positive psychology doesn’t sell shortcuts; it shows that durable happiness emerges from relationships, purpose, positive emotions, and deep engagement. Happiness isn’t a 24/7 target—it’s a by-product of living with meaning, connection, and engagement: it doesn't happen by chasing joy—but by cultivating the conditions where it shows up.

Subjective well-being is our inner response — our personal evaluation and emotional experience of our own life. It refers instead to our sense of well-being — a personal feeling best described as: “I’m doing well. I feel well.”