The Happiest People Are The Givers, Not The Takers

(updated March 31, 2025)

 
The Happiest People Are The Givers, Not The Takers.

Why?

Several studies have shown what constitute the trigger to release happy chemicals from the brain. One of which is the factor of seeing or perceiving someone happy.

It matters that when a person extends something by its virtue of generosity, driven by emotions to help and make the other party-- happy, it appears that, that same emotion is two-way in nature.

It gives back, that joyful feeling of fulfillment from the giver, creating a ripple effect like muscle memories growing further to nurture the character of being a giver and being a delighted person accomplishing that virtue.

Here are some 5 Samples of being a Giver:

The Jollibee Drive-thru Pay It Forward:

You’re rolling up to Jollibee, ready to grab your Chickenjoy and extra rice. You notice the guy behind you—a tired Grab driver who looks like he’s been on the road all day. Instead of just speeding off, you tell the cashier, “Bayaran ko na rin ‘yung order niya.”

Boom. One small act, one big smile. You drive away knowing you just made someone’s day a little easier. And let’s be real, that crispy, juicy Chickenjoy tastes even better when you know you shared the love.

The Merienda Hero:

It’s 3 PM. Energy is running low. The whole team looks pagod na pagod—staring at their screens like zombies. Instead of waiting for someone to complain, you grab some donuts and iced coffee for everyone.

No announcement. No flex. Just a simple, “Kain tayo, guys.” And just like that, you didn’t just bring food—you brought good vibes. Work’s easier when everyone’s got a little sugar rush and a reason to smile.

The Hoy Ang Ganda/Pogi Mo Compliment:

You ever get a random compliment that completely turned your day around? Imagine you’re at the mall, at the gym, or just walking down the street. You see someone with a solid fit, a fire haircut, or just good energy.

Say it. “Bro, ang astig ng haircut mo ah!” or “Sis, grabe, you’re glowing today!”—walang halong bola. You never know, that person might’ve needed that. And guess what? Giving out good energy bounces right back to you.

The Kamusta Culture:

Filipinos are known for being close-knit, but when was the last time you actually called your parents, your titas, or even your high school bestie just to say “Musta ka?”

No “Pahiram ng GCash” request, no agenda—just pure, genuine, “I was thinking about you.” Whether you're in LA or Laguna, that one message could turn someone’s whole week around. And when they reply, “Awww, salamat ha”—trust me, it feels good.

The Tropa That Never Lets Eat Someone Alone:

You see someone at the cafeteria, office pantry, or even a tita at a party sitting alone. Instead of scrolling on your phone and pretending not to notice, you say, “Uy, dito ka sumabay!”

In Filipino culture, eating is never just about the food—it’s about connection. And making sure no one eats alone? That’s a simple way to remind someone that they belong.

Another aspect why such behavior induces the happy hormone is because of its ability to widen the perception of the giver in to connectedness in things and its aftereffects of helping another human being.

The calm it brings to mind knowing that the other party will be in good hands after the act of generosity creates a flowing river of emotions that somehow enriches one of the basic characters of human nature-- kindness.

additional thoughts:

Somehow, back tracking in the paths of memory lane, the giver must have felt similar emptiness one way or another, on the situation of the receiving party. Which makes sense, to stop that feeling from resurfacing, by putting in action "to help" and therefore, realized through the acts of kindness and generosity.

~billymacdeus