The problem for me here is the definition of unhappy. It seems there is a broad swath of meanings for the word, and the specifics matter. For instanceI don't feel unhappy when I have to do paperwork, I reel resentment. I don't feel unhappy when I have to weed the garden, I feel concern. I don't feel unhappy when someone wrongs me (imo), I feel anger. Are these all facets of unhappiness?

You seem to be using 'Unhappiness' as an umbrella term for a lot of different feelings, which to some are unpleasant, and to others are motivating.

I am unhappy overall when I feel undesirable feelings for long periods of time without any pleasantries breaking the unpleasantnesses. I feel truly unhappy when I have lost someone, but not if they are still alive and there is some hope.

Unhappiness, to me, is prolonged undesirable feelings, not momentary ones. Happiness is not impacted by momentary glitches of trouble. One can be happy as a rule, and momentarily experience unpleasant stuff.

The best thing I have found for being happy as a rule, is to allow myself to reach for joy under the worst of times. Those of us who cannot do that, the Eeyores among us, are a drag to be around, so while I am compassionate enough to see this state and to try to be a part of ameliorating it, I make sure their unhappiness doesn't affect me. Sometimes that means minimizing contact, but not eliminating it altogether.

Anxiety and depression are motivating for me. I get off my ass and fix whatever is bothering me, if only to go for a walk with my dog. The morbidly unhappy often turn to substances, or other unhealthy unhappiness-perpetuating behavior. Those folks I avoid altogther if I can.