‘Mitfreude’ - A New Year’s Resolution

Join me in being happy when observing other’s good fortune

There were flash floods and it was raining palm fronds, but nothing could keep me from wearing the dress I bought last year to my favorite New Year’s Eve party - a sober affair with the loveliest friends.

Despite the insane driving conditions, I made it in time to make new acquaintances of the delightful Hollywood variety - creatives.

We all applauded each other for our bravery - even light rains in Los Angeles result in a perilous game of freeway frogger. But on that night of the year when folks like to play cocktail nintendo cranked up to 11, add torrential rain to the mix, and well, good luck to ya.

I came for the company, I came for the gratitude, but what what I really came for was ‘Mitfreude’ - a word I had never heard before that was shared with me last night.

I knew as soon as I heard it that wild horses would not have kept me away from this party, because in that delightful moment a devoted wordsmith such as I had been given treasure.

I had quipped that growing up in a German household meant ‘Shadenfreude’ was our religion, and how I have worked hard to purge myself of deriving any joy from other’s misfortunes. I truly want the best for all. I even pray for the evil bast*rds, who I investigate.

And that is when a guest told me that there is an actual word for such a quality - ‘Mitfreude’ - the opposite of Shadenfreude - and that gave me exquisite joy.

‘Mitfreude’ is deriving enjoyment from observing someone else’s good fortune.

So please join me in heading into 2023 with a grip of Mitfreude in your heart.

Maybe it will catch on.

Danke shoen.🤍

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Bette Dangerous is a reader-funded publication. Looking forward to seeing friends at our Bette Dangerous ‘Speakeasy’ Gratitude Zoom today, Sunday, 1/1, 3:55 pm PT. This meeting is for paid subscribers, and if you are not yet a paid member, there is still time to become one before today’s Zoom.