All I want for Christmas is...

Warning: To those of you who are happy, this post will sound a little trite

I have suspected it for a long time, and my experiences and observations have only continued to support my suspicion.

I believe that (at least after the dawn of civilization) the primary impetus for all that we do is for happiness. I further postulate that happiness is defined by finding love and acceptance (the scope and scale of which depends on each person).

Why do some people work all the time, ruthlessly climbing the corporate ladder? To be admired, accepted, even worshipped.

Why do some people think only of money? Because they think it can buy them happiness. What does a house larger than you need or a car faster than you are legally able to drive it mean? Status, and nothing more.

Getting good at anything is an attempt to impress others. Sure, you can say it's only for yourself, you want to grow, blah blah blah, but really, it's to make someone take notice.

Even terrorists commit their acts not only for their religious beliefs, but to be martyrs to their families and to reap the rewards of affection in the afterlife (of a thousand virgins, no less). Though of a sexual nature, I think it ultimately has to do with the hope for love.

It also seems that no matter what happens, finding romantic love is a driving force for a lot of people, regardless of socioeconomic status, cultural background, or interest. I mean, is it just me, or is nearly every song on the radio about love and relationships? You don't hear many songs about much else.

Anyway. Just some thoughts as we enter the holiday season, where, according to surveys, only 36 percent of single men and 48 percent of single women are optimistic about (finding someone special, that is).

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One last note - currently, I'm somewhat ambivalent about all this. Right now, I'd be happy just to have time to play Halo 2. So I can crush Andy. I need Andy's acceptance. Andy's acceptance of a crushing defeat in Halo 2.