Sometimes life doesn’t pan out the way you’d have hoped, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be happy.
However, some people really hate the life they’ve built, and even if they’d never admit it, it’s blatantly obvious in the things they say. Here are some of the things you’ll likely hear from people who are unhappy in life.
1. “I’ll be happy when…”
This suggests they’re always waiting for something external to bring them happiness. They might say, “I’ll be happy when I get that promotion” or “when I lose 10 kilos”. Either way, it shows they’re not happy with their current situation and are pinning their happiness on future events that may never come. The problem is, there’s always another goal on the horizon, and they never learn to appreciate the present.
2. “I don’t have time for that.”
While we’re all busy, constantly saying this about things they actually want to do means they’re not prioritising what’s important to them. It could be a sign they’re stuck in a routine they don’t enjoy but feel powerless to change. They might even use busyness as an excuse to avoid pursuing their passions or making positive changes in their life.
3. “I’m too old to start that now.”
They obviously think it’s too late to pursue new interests or make significant life changes, and they’re none too pleased about it. However, this is often an excuse to avoid stepping out of their comfort zone. People who say this might have regrets about paths not taken and feel it’s too late to course-correct. They forget that many successful people started their journeys later in life. Stan Lee, Julia Child, Samuel L. Jackson… the list goes on and on.
4. “That’s just the way life is.”
Source: Unsplash This feels like resignation to circumstances they’re not happy with because they feel powerless to change their situation and have given up trying. They might use this to justify staying in an unfulfilling job or relationship. Either way, it’s a sign they’ve lost hope in their ability to shape their own life.
5. “I wish I had…”
Source: Unsplash Constantly saying how much regret they have over past decisions or missed opportunities points to dissatisfaction with their current life. While it’s normal to have some regrets, dwelling on them so heavily suggests they’re not happy with where they’ve ended up. They might say things like, “I wish I had travelled more when I was younger” or “I wish I had chosen a different career”.
6. “Someone like me can’t do that.”
Source: Unsplash This points to a lack of self-belief and a tendency to self-limit. They might say this about career advancement, relationships, or personal goals. It’s clear that they’ve internalised negative beliefs about their capabilities and worth, and that’s a shame because their self-imposed limitation prevents them from even trying to achieve their dreams.
7. “It’s not fair.”
Source: Unsplash While life can indeed be unfair, saying this all the time points to a victim mentality. They probably compare themselves to other people and feel they’ve been dealt a bad hand. It’s a bad attitude that keeps them from taking responsibility for their circumstances and making positive changes. It’s easier to blame everyone and everything else than to work on improving their situation.
8. “I’m just waiting for…”
Source: Unsplash They’re putting their life on hold, waiting for some perfect moment or circumstance. They might say they’re waiting for the right time to start a business, move cities, or pursue a passion, but this waiting game often means they never actually take action. As a result, they get stuck in a rut and feel stagnant and full of regret.
9. “I don’t deserve better than this.”
Source: Unsplash Their lack of self-worth is incredibly deep-seated, and people who say this have often internalised negative messages about themselves and believe they’re not worthy of happiness or success. Sadly, this belief can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing them to settle for less than they truly want or need.
10. “I’m stuck.”
Feeling trapped in their current circumstances is a common sentiment for those unhappy with their life. They might feel stuck in a job, relationship, or living situation, and that feeling of being trapped can lead to hopelessness. When they’re in that place, they might miss out on opportunities for change.
11. “What’s the point?”
Anyone who says this is feeling a lack of purpose or direction. When someone regularly questions the point of their efforts or life in general, it suggests they’re struggling to find meaning in their daily activities. That can then lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with the way their life is going.
12. “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Constant procrastination often masks deeper issues of fear or dissatisfaction. By always putting things off, they avoid confronting aspects of their life they’re unhappy with. It’s a bad habit that can prevent personal growth and keep them stuck in a life they’re not proud of. Tomorrow never comes for the chronic procrastinator.
13. “I’m fine.”
When used on a regular basis, especially in response to genuine questions about how they’re doing, this can be a way of avoiding deeper discussions about their dissatisfaction. It’s easier to say “I’m fine” than to admit they’re unhappy with their life. The problem is, this response can push away potential support and keep them isolated.
14. “It’s too late to change now.”
Source: Unsplash They say this because they feel like they’ve missed their chance to create a life they’re proud of. It’s often used as an excuse to avoid making major changes in life, whether that’s career changes, relationships, or personal development. This mindset ignores the fact that it’s never too late to start working towards a more fulfilling life.
15. “I don’t know what I want.”
Source: Unsplash While it’s normal to feel uncertain at times, consistently not knowing what they want suggests a lack of self-reflection or fear of making choices. It can be a way of avoiding responsibility for their life direction. Without a clear idea of what they want, it’s nearly impossible to build a life they’re proud of.
16. “Life is disappointing.”
This points to a general dissatisfaction with how their life has turned out. They clearly had different expectations for their life and feel let down by reality. This is yet another example of a self-fulfilling prophecy because this attitude ends up colouring their experiences and preventing them from recognising and appreciating positive aspects of their life.
