Happiness is a unique emotional experience for each of us, which can make it tricky to define. If we are to speak generally, happiness can be summed up by two main components: The balance of emotions: Overall experiencing more positive than negative feelings. Life satisfaction: How fulfilled we are in the different areas of our lives, such as relationships, work, interests, and how much our life aligns with our values.  Happiness is more than the absence of sadness, as it speaks to our overall sense of purpose and satisfaction in life. We can experience happiness, while still feeling indifferent, disconnected, or numb.