“Unhappy People Live Longer,” by Jessica Hollander, issue #12

7/20/21: Into the Archives: staff member Cara Musashi on “Unhappy People Live Longer,” issue #12

Although I am quite new to Prism, I’m more than aware that there are an abundance of great works from talented authors who’ve been published before my time. “Unhappy People Live Longer,” by Jessica Hollander, is certainly one of those. Right from the beginning, the manner in  which the work is written grabs your attention. With a rather sarcastic, almost tired tone, you’re  introduced to the strange situation.

“Unhappy People Live Longer” is told in a first-person point of view, the perspective being from that of a soon-to-be-bride whose wedding has been called off by her own (unhappy) wishes just as she arrives to greet her significant other, Kevin, and Kevin’s family and friends. Everyone offers congratulations and hugs, expecting a party, only to be told that it’s not happening.

Though remaining unnamed, we continue following the narrator through her reluctant and rather uncomfortably depressed time staying with Kevin’s family. Her visit consists primarily of lying on the floor eating various foods as often as she feels, with the occasional can of Coke.

However, the story still manages to counter the seemingly depressing mood with some rather comedic dialogue between her and other members of the family. In one interaction between her and Kevin’s father, she tells him, “It would be nice if you guys got some carpet in the living room,” only for him to reply, “Then you’d be on our floor for a month. You’d never leave.” While many of the interactions the characters have with one another are quite brief, they showcase their unique personalities entirely within such a short period of time—and, too, Hollander’s clear talent as a writer. You eventually learn that this situation isn’t even new for the couple: it’s implied that the narrator has  been through similar episodes of wanting to get married and then calling it off for various reasons (this time she thinks she’s too fat).

Though “Unhappy People Live Longer” appears to be a simple story about a relationship gone rocky, there’s more depth at work, as Hollander raises the question of what true happiness really is, and how some people might never attain it. The narrator’s thoughts show what often goes through the minds of people seeking happiness, but for one reason or another are held back, often for reasons that others might not deem true.

Feelings of insecurity are still an unfortunate commonality today, and there’s a stigma surrounding the ways people deal with getting past them. Having felt similar thoughts in completely different situations, I feel this story is a wonderfully eloquent example of what dealing with these feelings can be like, as well as how having an understanding and patient surrounding network can make all the difference. It’s for these reasons why this story is my favorite out of the issue, and I sincerely recommend it to other readers.