Gerund and infinitive
A gerund is a verb in its “ing” form that functions as a noun. It names an activity. We use a gerund:
• After certain verbs – I denied answering her questions.
• After prepositions – She took a deep breath before speaking.
• As the subject or object of a sentence – Smoking is a disgusting habit.
An infinitive is a verbal form which consists of the base form of the verb with the particle “to”. We use an infinitive:
• After certain verbs – I finally managed to find a solution.
• After adjectives – Sometimes it's hard to let go.
• To show purpose – I came here to talk to you.
We use a bare infinitive (without the particle “to”):
• After modal verbs – She can't live on her own.
• After “let”, “make” and sometimes “help” – This commercial makes me cry.
• After some verbs of perception (see, watch, hear, notice, feel, sense) – I heard him lock the door.
• After expressions with “why” – Why go out the night before an exam?
You may be surprised to learn that people are generally optimistic. Most of us say we have a “glass half full” attitude to life. Half of all people consider themselves particularly happy. This is great news.
What makes us happy? Apparently, we don't need to be a millionaire or own a private plane to be satisfied with our lives. It really is the little things in life that make us happy. According to Dr. Glenn Williams of Nottingham Trent University: “An effective route to happiness is not necessarily through experiencing major events which we might have planned out like getting married, buying a house, getting promoted, or even being on holiday. Rather it is the small, and often unexpected, pleasures in life that can make us smile each and every day that help us build happier and more meaningful lives for ourselves.” So, we all know that the best things in life are unexpected. And as it turns out, these little surprises bring us the greatest amount of joy and happiness.
So I decided to make a list of all the small things that make me happy. You are more than welcome to add your own ideas. Here they are.
1. Going to bed after changing the sheets.
2. Waking up next to someone I love.
3. Enjoying my morning coffee in bed.
4. Taking a long relaxing bath at the end of the day.
5. Playing with my baby.
6. Smiling at a child while on a bus.
7. Listening to birds singing outside my window.
8. Receiving a letter from a friend.
9. Finding money in my pocket that I had forgotten about.
10. Getting a massage after an exhausting day at work.
11. Having a long conversation with a good friend in some cozy café.
12. Watching the rain fall when I'm alone at home
13. Knowing I don't need to go anywhere.
14. Curling up under a warm blanket and watching my favorite TV show.
15. Being kissed on the forehead by a loved one.
16. Decorating a Christmas tree.
17. Cooking something delicious for a loved one.
18. Putting on clothes after they have been warmed on the radiator.
19. Listening to songs I haven't heard in a while.
20. Hearing a baby laugh.
21. Enjoying an extra half an hour of snoozing in bed.
22. Getting a raise.
23. Playing with a kitten or a puppy.
24. Looking at the sunrise or the sunset.
25. Receiving a sincere smile from a stranger.
26. Being kissed by my wife after a long work day.
27. Hearing my baby say her first word.
28. Watching my baby taking her first steps.
29. Buying new brushes and paint.
30. Enjoying a cup of tea outside on the terrace.
31. Laughing with good friends.
32. Spending time in my apartment when it's tidy and clean.
33. Observing people's reactions when I give them an unexpected gift.
34. Having an opportunity to be creative and share my art with people.
35. Knowing that I make someone truly happy.
