Ultimately, isn't this all just a question of relativity?

The more sadness one experiences in their lives, the more sweeter the happy moments are. Indeed, are not happiness and sadness just flip sides of the same coin? Does one not define the other?

Exitement and tedium are perhaps slightly different. When we are yound, we crave excitement and cannot bear to be bored.

Whereas the older one becomes, the more one favours stability and security over excitement.