Tomorrow is World Happiness Day (WHD) as decreed by the United Nations.
You had better not go around all grumpy and get caught by a UN happiness enforcement patrol, or UNHAPENF as they are known.
The rules for WHD are simple. First, take the pledge: "I will try to create more happiness in the world around me." That includes happiness for England and Edinburgh.
Then, let a smile be your umbrella. You can go further by celebrating WHD with random acts of kindness (RAK). The organisation Action for Happiness has a website full of suggestions.
RAK can range from giving someone your seat on the bus to letting another driver have the last parking space. Pay the bill at the supermarket check-out for the woman in front who just has a couple of items and can't find her bank card. Or take your lunch down to the park and give it to a down-and-out person. Make sure the person is a starving rough sleeper and not just a devotee of hobo chic.
Another recommended RAK is to put up a placard offering "free hugs" and approach passers-by with your arms open. To avoid accusations of inappropriate behaviour, best inform the local police in advance. It may safer just to join one of the many flash mob events which have been organised for WHD.
I am not in principle opposed to promoting happiness. It's probably a good idea before you try to make the world happy to start with cheering up your family, friends, neighbours, and yourself. Scottish people may choose to have A Not Entirely Unhappy Day. Say moderately cheerful things such as: "There doesn't appear to be as much up with your face compared to yesterday." Or, "You're looking well considering your age."
If you normally go around with a gloomy visage, don't try to smile as an unexpected grimace may cause fear and alarm to the lieges.
Tomorrow is also Westminster Budget day. Expect Chancellor George Osborne cheerfully to impose swingeing extra tax on booze and tobacco. Be happy. He is doing it for the good of your health.
l Those of the Militantly Morbid Tendency may take solace in the fact that the USA has to put up with a Sustainable Happiness Week.
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