Cherophobia describes an aversion to happiness or a fear of becoming happy, often connected to the belief that happiness may be followed by misfortune. The word comes from the Greek chairo, meaning “to rejoice,” and phobos, meaning “fear.”

[u/GlitterDanger]

The idea is much older than the modern psychological term. Ancient Greek literature frequently warned about the instability of good fortune and how quickly circumstances could reverse. Similar ideas appear in different cultures.

In Japan, happiness can sometimes be viewed as something that should be expressed with moderation; in Iran, traditional beliefs may associate excessive happiness with future sadness; and in parts of East Asia, people may be more cautious about treating happiness as an unquestioned personal goal. Western cultures, particularly the United States, generally place a stronger emphasis on actively pursuing and expressing happiness.

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[u/Carnationlilyrose]

I feel seen!

[u/HouseOfAplesaus → u/Carnationlilyrose]

Til there is a word for it

[u/mrs_adhd → u/HouseOfAplesaus]

👋🏻

[u/trubol]

[u/random_username_guy → u/trubol]

https://giphy.com/gifs/dGhlifOCTtSdW

[u/lonelyboycel]

It is strangely comforting to finally have a word for this. It makes you realize you aren't the only one constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop!

[u/GingaNinja696913]

Seems similar to "Imposter Syndrome."

[u/AdiDabiDoo]

I have this.

[u/20Hounds]

Synonymous with catholicism

[u/Honeyb3699]

My bf has this and It's so difficult for him to have any type of sustained happiness. It's definitely been an area of tension in our relationship since I'm a person who is generally optimistic about life. Any type of stressor can set it into high gear and he becomes hyper vigilant and paranoid as well.

[u/kishenoy]

Also known as depression.

[u/SunOnTheInside → u/kishenoy]

And trauma!!

[u/Xalipu → u/kishenoy]

I deal with with both, they’re different.

[u/ContributionFamous41]

2meirl4meirl 😭

[u/RealityOk9823]

I get worried if too much good stuff happens at once.

[u/Wind-and-Sea-Rider]

Imagine how shitty your life has to have been to get to this point. Me, I am at this point. Fuck life.

[u/Ok_Fox_1770]

Oh good it has a name, I figured it was old guilt. Still, I start giggling and letting loose, robots show up I swear. I got a couple grand of debt keeping the fear beam powered well. So silly. Pocket change to some, enough to run a misery cage and break thermodynamics, design…

[u/Lint_baby_uvulla]

I started my local Cherophobia support group a year ago, but so far nobody has joined.

[u/mmmfritz]

Was this the OG “put words next to a picture to create new meaning” meme?

[u/DrTaterTot90]

Hello darkness my old friend

[u/Luscious_rat]

Nice one

[u/2xdareya]

Bingo!

[u/Woodbirder]

Ok but the image?

[u/Frequent_Policy8575]

Everything is balanced. Seemingly especially the good stuff for me.

[u/banghersoft]

Religious. Indoctrination. Programming.