Housing crisis, 40-year out of date poverty level, a minimum wage that hasn't been increased in 15 years and that has had a continuously decreasing purchasing power for almost 60 years. Most expensive healthcare, rampant student loan debt, record-breaking corporate profits, a self-immolating middle class, etc. etc.
Honestly, it's hard to find much to be happy about here right now.
This is the worst part. Every time I see people who mainly consume digital entertainment scoff at getting it for free, it just cements in my mind how most people are useful idiots.
The US is far richer than a lot of the higher ranked countries. Furthermore, it's the best performing country out of the pandemic. Can't be the reason for the drop
Wages are the highest they've ever been and cost of living is the highest it's ever been. Purchasing power is down. It's a simple economic rule. Look up Biden inflation rule 34 to learn more.
I'm glad you have insight into my level of happiness and its cause. I'll correct myself the next time I think about how inflation is keeping me down. WRONG ANSWER, WALLET!
Edit: To be more clear, I'm reasonably well-off and still terrified that I'll die in a financial crisis. Our system sucks.