
2. They tend to fill their voids with material items.
In addition to making comparisons to others, unhappy individuals may try to fill their void by spending money on material items. Purchasing material items can be a defense mechanism when trying to maintain an image with their peers and project a vision of a successful, happy individual. Unhappy individuals may believe that wearing name brand clothing or driving the nicest car signals to others that they are happy and satisfied with their lives. They may also feel that if they are not portraying an unhappy image by the way they live or items they purchase, others may not question them, and they will not have to explain themselves.

In addition to attempting to maintain a particular reputation to others, purchasing material items can provide an exhilarating moment of satisfaction for a few moments. Despite knowing that these feelings may fade, unhappy individuals may tend to fill their lives with possessions in hopes; it will eventually aid in their happiness.