Chapter 1: The Carnival Experience

While strolling along, I encountered a vibrant carnival bustling with various forms of entertainment. Interestingly, amidst the laughter, there were just as many individuals shedding tears. Some engaged in the festivities with sincerity, while others acted out of self-interest. Curiously, no one seemed to express dissatisfaction with this dynamic—except for those who remained seated, weeping quietly.

The first attraction that drew my attention was the “Catch Me If You Can” swings. Strangely, many participants who dashed away were not actually being pursued, which was often due to their inability to swing effectively. Everyone seemed to join in on the swings, creating a seemingly endless cycle of runners and chasers.

At times, those who had fled would tire out, declaring the swings enjoyable. Conversely, the chasers would eventually grow weary, leading to the issue of “playing hard to get.” In truth, there weren’t any significant problems; after all, it was merely a carnival, and any issues that did arise were likely trivial and mechanical. These concerns could easily be overlooked, provided there weren’t individuals sitting quietly and crying.

Beside this was the “It’s Not Your Fault” dart game. Anyone who identified a problem would surely win a prize, and the rewards were plentiful. The table overflowed with “prizes” such as betrayal, indifference, neglect, and insults. The most significant prize was a variety of physical violence, with 200-300 carnival-goers each year receiving this “special” recognition, the highest being “murder.” In 2023, a record-breaking 414 individuals were awarded this grim prize. The popularity of the “It’s Not Your Fault” dart game grew annually, bolstered by frequent coverage in television shows and newspapers seeking to draw in viewers and readers. Those weeping in this area were usually the relatives of the award recipients.

Numerous other attractions filled the carnival, but the “Men and Women Bumper Cars” stood out to me the most, despite offering the fewest prizes. Even someone like me, who typically fears collisions, lost track of how many times I rode the bumper cars. It was said that men drove “emotionless, sexually-driven” cars, while women took the “overly emotional and excessively romantic” ones. Only those who collided could discern who was right or wrong. Some individuals would tumble from their cars after a crash, but replacements immediately filled their spots. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves at full speed—unless, of course, there were those seated and crying.

Certain sections of the carnival drew larger crowds despite being less spotlighted. For instance, the “Family is Pressuring Us” merry-go-round and the “We Get No Support” ballerina girl attracted many people attempting to occupy the same seat. However, all merry-go-rounds and ballerina seats were designed for two people; when three or more attempted to squeeze in simultaneously, it resulted in unnecessary congestion. Otherwise, these areas boasted the lowest ticket sales.

So, what did I do? I ventured into the carnival, observed, and even participated in a few attractions, but ultimately, I had my fill. I realized I was not someone who could truly enjoy the carnival experience. I took my wife, and we exited together. Occasionally, we still feel tempted to revisit the carnival, but when that urge fades, we find alternative ways to enjoy ourselves. We often dive into the book “Understanding and Listening to Each Other,” or brew a cup of “Spending Time Together” tea to sip at sunset. It’s a delightful way to spend time, though it requires some adjustment.

The carnival can be exhausting; I can’t fathom how others manage to thrive in it. For many who have never experienced it, the carnival sparks curiosity. My advice: there’s no compulsion to enter. Sometimes, friends or family may inadvertently draw you into the carnival; just aim to keep your distance.

Chapter 2: Finding Joy Beyond the Carnival