How do you not let external circumstances control you?

If you’ve been trying to find happiness and haven’t been succeeding, stop and ask yourself this question: are you relying on someone else to bring you happiness? This someone could be an intimate partner or a close family member. Does it feel as though your happiness depends on them in some way? This can be hard to admit. But if the answer is yes, this has to change. You will only be truly happy when you live for yourself and find what makes you happy. Learning how to stop relying on others for happiness (you can) is the first step in discovering your authentic self.