I do not know if any you readers are followers of the brilliantly witty and kooky NBC show “Parks and Recreation,” but recently I watched a particularly moving episode. On a spur-of-the-moment decision, Andy and April throw a dinner party, and surprise everyone by turning it into a wedding ceremony. All of this occurs after having only been dating for two episodes (which is about a month in “TV time,”right?).

While most dinner guests are delighted and warmly surprised, Leslie Knope–played by Amy Poehler–opposes the decision, befuddled and, ultimately, worried about the young couple.

In a toast, Andy explains that the two just “did what [made them] happy,” later adding that “[they] can’t stress enough how little [they] thought about [it].”

Andy’s toast stands as the most moving part of the episode, possibly of the season. In a world where people are only as prepared for life as their smart phone apps allow them to be, April and Andy act, probably unknowingly, as rebels.

In their accidental act of defiance, the newlyweds go against all that is set in stone regarding modern lifestyle, modern anything. Society has become so set on becoming happy–on figuring out what makes  us happy–that we are simultaneously making ourselves stressed and unhappy. Anyone who watches an episode of “Bridezillas” can attest to the notion that people spending $20,000 on the “perfect” wedding only leads to stress, chaos and the most awkward weddings ever.

Andy and April’s marriage overlooks society’s mindset. The couple made no invitations, had only been dating for a short time and acted on an impulse–albeit a romantic and genuine impulse of love. However, they did what made them happy. So, why does society call that weird?

We live in a world of constant contact, perpetual stimulation and stiff economic and occupational competition. Because of this, we tend to alienate the idea of true happiness being key, replacing that idea with material goods and rewards, i.e. purchasing happiness. But does this makes us happy? Does it really make us happy? Or should we all be more like April and Andy, finding happiness within themselves and others and non-material things?

April and Andy are heroes, champions of genuineness and following their hearts, because they so clearly and obviously know what makes them happy, and they would be damned if anyone told them otherwise.

Has society lost sight of what truly makes us happy? No, obviously not. But maybe we are starting to over-think happiness. Maybe we aren’t as lucky as April and Andy, to be unaffected by constant stimulation. However, maybe we put ourselves here, blindfolded by what we think happiness is, instead of just knowing that we’ve had happiness all along.

Often times, television reflects the world in which we live–which is ironic that we use it as an escape from our daily routine. I ask of all you readers to be more like Andy and April–which does not mean you should all get married by the time Winter Formal rolls around–but to seek out what makes you happy.

You’d be happy to know that the couple is still together, going strong and soon to enter a fifth season.