Aphrodite accuses the Graces of trying to “force happiness,” but Aglaia responds, “We don’t force happiness…we find it.” (p.100). What do you think she means?

BookBrowse Book Club Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren J. A. Bear
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Aphrodite accuses the Graces of trying to “force happiness,” but Aglaia responds, “We don’t force happiness…we find it.” (p.100). What do you think she means?

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I loved her response. I feel that it’s true. We can make choices in life and finding happiness is a choice.

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This feels like a very glass half full attitude. Choosing to be happy even when the situation is difficult.

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The Graces did as they were told without much choice. So i feel like they found the “bright” side (or happiness) in everything that they were forced to do.

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Aglaia’s statement is true to its core. So many people search and search, looking for what they perceive as the happiness that will make everything right in their lives. If only they would look inside themselves and love their own beings first. Then, happiness will come in bits and pieces.

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I don’t think you can force happiness. I think you can be exposed to happiness but whether you accept you will be happy is your choice. So I do agree with this statement.

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I think Aglaia’s comment could be rewritten as follows. If life gives you lemons make lemonade. Truly you are the only one who can make yourself happy. Happiness comes from within.

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It is a reminder that happiness is within all of us - its a matter of stopping and appreciating what we have

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I think Aglaia is correct. You can’t force happiness, and you also can’t sit and wait for happiness. Happiness is found in relationships, things that provide comfort, the beauty of nature, good memories, and art. Each individual finds her own happiness.

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I think she means that everyone has things in their lives that are outside their control. They can choose to focus on those things or to find joy in other things.

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I think it is a way of saying acccept what you have. Stop looking for the nextbest thing

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You cannot force a feeling. Emotions come as a response and reaction. We find happiness by living our lives and by finding the things that bring us joy. It cannot be forced.

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I agree if it not aresponse it is not real

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Kay,

This is what my therapist has told me. I believe Aglais had the best reply—happiness can be found, even in the most awful circumstances.

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We can find happiness in our lives. This is evident in the fact that many find happiness in ways that puzzle another. It is in the “finder” to discover and revel in the happiness that they find…and not to be understood by others.

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I marked this quote, as it is how I try to live my life. I believe we will all have difficult situations and hardships and we can wallow in those troubles or accept those things and try to find the small things that bring us hope and a little happiness. I know it is over said, but some of life really is the journey. Some of my most difficult times lead to new beginnings that were terrific, but I could never have gotten there unless I was open to them.