Chapter 1: The Nature of Fun

Are you in search of a good time? Engaging in activities with others often enhances the experience.

As a child growing up in the quiet rural town of Bedford, New Hampshire, I found myself facing boredom and loneliness due to a lack of resources. To combat this, I engaged in a variety of adventurous activities. I would explore the swamps behind my house, leap off granite cliffs, and frequently find myself nursing sprained ankles. My curiosity even led me to learn tracking techniques, just in case Bigfoot decided to visit.

In eighth grade, we had an intriguing unit on "early man," where we crafted shelters from sticks and created makeshift weapons. The highlight of this unit was a multi-day camping excursion for the entire grade. I was thrilled at the prospect of potentially spotting Bigfoot. Unfortunately, my excitement was short-lived as my inadequate footwear left me freezing. The only other student who struggled was Sarah Silverman, who is now a well-known comedian. I vividly recall sitting by the campfire, wrapped in blankets, shivering uncontrollably, feeling like I had utterly failed.

Reflecting on those experiences, they may not sound enjoyable at first glance—filled with pain, isolation, and discomfort. Yet, when I think back, many of those moments were filled with joy. The truly delightful times, however, were the sleepovers, trick-or-treating adventures with friends, group UFO hunts, school plays, off-key karaoke in the car, concerts, and movie nights with others.

Jessica Bennett, in an opinion piece for the New York Times, poses an intriguing question: "What is fun, exactly?" Unlike happiness, fun is not a constant state of existence, although those who are happy often report having fun. Fun is not an action verb, like "play," but can be ignited by various activities. Interestingly, access to leisure activities—such as vacations and rest—doesn't automatically guarantee fun, although they might create opportunities for it. Unlike pleasure, which triggers specific cortisol responses in the brain, understanding fun remains complex, particularly since being analyzed can strip it of its enjoyment.

According to Harry Reis, a psychology professor at the University of Rochester, fun is somewhat elusive. He shares with Bennett that while happiness is often regarded as significant and substantial, fun tends to be perceived as trivial. At his university, an event called Dandelion Day takes place each spring before finals, featuring games, food, live music, trivia, and carnival rides—essentially designed to encourage students to have fun under the pretense of stress relief and well-being.

Reis notes a scarcity of scholarly articles focused on fun. What he discovered, however, was not particularly helpful for my younger self. He wrote, "People are motivated to pursue fun activities because these activities commonly result in a broadly positive affective experience. While fun activities are enjoyable individually, shared fun is significantly more rewarding than solitary fun, especially when shared with friends. Thus, fun merits a more serious examination beyond merely being enjoyable moments; it fosters affective states linked to building and reinforcing crucial social connections."

This perspective intrigues me, as I often retreat inward on days when happiness feels out of reach. But perhaps seeking out social interactions is what I truly need.

What about you? When you're feeling down, do you seek out companionship and fun, or do you prefer to isolate yourself? When you think of fun, do you envision solitary activities, group engagements, or a blend of both?

Wishing you a week filled with joy and laughter. Here's to hoping I experience the same! :)

Chapter 2: The Power of Connection

In the video "Lookin' For A Good Time," the discussion centers on how shared experiences amplify enjoyment and foster deeper connections among friends.

The video "Better Than Good To Me - Lady Harmony" explores the significance of mutual support and connection in cultivating happiness and fun in our lives.