As much as people say happiness is free, I find that quote wrong because the price we pay sometimes to be happy is far more expensive than money. We tend to pay with our emotions sometimes and give up what we like the most, just prices that are not fiat.
To me, I would say happiness comes from being content in whatever way and knowing you come first before any other person in your life. It is not every time you will have enough, it is not every time you will have less, but what matters most is when you are contented with what you have then you would be happy.
It is not every time things would go the way you want even in a relationship, your partner would be the cutest, your partner won't be the most caring, and your partner will definitely not be perfect but if you are genuinely contented then you will be happy.
I would say putting happiness your happiness in the hands of someone is like putting a boundary to something in life, like friendship or being with someone as a partner. There should be a full stop to where you can take their bullshit and this is one of the things people have to learn to be happy in relationships. I'm not saying you shouldn't put in your all but draw a line you shouldn't cross otherwise you going be lost and won't find yourself in time.
I don't do much finding happiness because I'm loved by my family and also myself, the day I realize people find it difficult to understand me ever since that day it made it easier for me to be happy, staying alone is also one of the things that make me happy.
Learning not to give too much energy outside than what I'm receiving is also what I'm learning recently and it giving me so much happiness, even if it is not who I always am but since we all aren't from the same place and some people like the little you are doing is doing too much you just have to not do it again to protect yourself.
Not letting the negative things people say about you mean a lot to you, people take good people for granted so when you are good or nice, people would take chances of that. I once have a friend, and we were close but despite he was always complaining that the energy I give in our relationship is lesser than what he gives. He is always doing the emotional blackmail thing which always gets to me before and makes me apologize even when I didn't do anything but with time I began to learn he is taking advantage of who I am and I slowly withdrew from the relationship. He would come to my dm and blackmail me emotionally but it doesn't move me anymore, I just play along and don't let whatever he says affect me again.
Most importantly I do things that I'm cool with and that make me happy, be positive, and always pray to God.
I hope you enjoyed and learn something, love you all
