1. What do you think of the novel's title? Few of us are happy all the time; is Colwin being sarcastic? Hopeful? Do you think that people should strive for continual happiness?

2. When Guido first meets Holly, he muses "that Holly was probably difficult, quirky, and hard to live with." Why would Guido pursue someone who poses such an obvious challenge to him? Is he correct in his assessment of her personality? How, eventually, does Holly surprise him?

3. Like Holly, Misty has difficult aspects to her personality. Why do you think Vincent continues to pursue her? Why do you think these two people are so happy together?

4. What sorts of obstacles do both couples face, and how -- and why -- do they manage to overcome these obstacles? What is Colwin saying about finding love, and then fighting for the relationship to work?

5. How do these two parallel stories of couples falling in love differ from each other?