Please begin by reading the “Preface to Erik’s Notes on Buddhism:” found on the main page of Buddhism ~ Thanks

Happiness = Peace

Peace = the cessation of Negative Thinking
Negative Thinking = anger, jealousy, greed, pride and ignorance
Decreasing Negative Thinking = Increasing Peace
More peace = more happiness
Zero Negative Thinking = True Happiness

So is there True Happiness, lasting happiness? – YES.
The more you decrease your anger, jealousy, greed, pride and ignorance the more you experience happiness – no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.

What is NOT happiness?

Happiness is NOT: a new car / house / job / partner / lover / toy / etc.
If it were, most folks would be getting happier more of the time
and not just getting more debt, stress and grief.
New and better stuff is only a condition for how you feel – not a cause.

Happiness is NOT: having more fun / excitement / distractions / etc.
If it were, more beer would lead to True Happiness
and not to a hangover.
More and more fun is only a condition for how you feel – not a cause.