I still remember the time when a boyfriend of mine gave me a designer bag as a birthday gift. The poor thing was trying to prove his love, but he had no idea what he had gotten himself into. Looking back into it, I was definitely harsh, so if you’re reading this, I apologize, it was a very nice gift and I secretly wish I still had it. But at that moment I was furious. Didn’t he know I hated brand names? Well he might’ve been confused by my watch and sunglasses, but he should’ve known better. I didn’t need a frivolous gift from him, I needed a thoughtful one, and thinking that after all those years he had learned nothing about me made me the saddest girlfriend in the world.
Now fast-forwarding to present time, I don’t consider my happiness to be particularly free, but I definitely don’t need a big loft in Manhattan, a fancy car, or a Chanel purse to achieve it. My friends and family make me enjoy every second of my existence, and nothing can top that -except when I’m in love, of course- but unfortunately, maintaing this happiness is not free. I meet my friends for brunch and dinner, visit my family in Puerto Rico, go to weddings abroad, and like to travel at least once a year.
So I don’t think you can buy the moments that make us happy, but you can possibly pay for their setting. And if you don’t agree, we can discuss it after listening to the song that inspired this post.
Here’s Je Veux by Zaz… the song my boyfriend needed to hear back then.
For a version with English subtitles click here.
