jordan pulse -

By Atef Abu Hajar

If we were to talk about happy nations, we’d surely be among them.
Who said Jordanians are grumpy or unhappy? Believe me — behind that serious face lies all the joy in the world.

There are countless examples:
When a Jordanian receives a full salary — with no deductions for loans or guarantees — he feels like he’s got a mysterious money transfer from China. Happiness level: maximum.
When he changes the oil of his Kia Sephia and washes it, he says: “The engine sounds like a bee, even the drive feels smoother!” and he’s on top of the world.
When he pays his property tax during the year-end discount period, he feels victorious.
Charging his phone feels like getting a blood transfusion.
Renewing his driving licence makes him feel like a rally champion in Jerash.
Renewing his health insurance card? Suddenly he’s confident his blood pressure and sugar are perfect: “I feel strong as a horse!”
When he pays the electricity bill, light literally shines from his face — shake his hand and you might get a shock.
And when he buys some lamb liver at month’s end and his wife fries it with two onions, he says: “This is paradise!”

So tell me, with all these sparks of joy, how could anyone say Jordanians aren’t happy?

Happiness can’t be measured by global indexes or international reports — it’s found in the smile after paying a bill, or the quiet joy when the salary comes in full.
Because despite hardship and that trademark frown, Jordanians live happiness their own way — laughing through pain and finding delight in life’s simplest moments.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen…
We are a happy people — not grumpy. Our laughter is always there, just busy sometimes.