Happy Ending or Sad Ending, Which Would You Prefer?

Sad endings.

I always want happy endings. x] But I tend to write bittersweet or sad endings.

Uh, none of the above I prefer more realistic endings, ones that aren't necessarily happy, everything's-perfect-in-the-end, rainbows & butterflies endings or those ending's where everything is horrible because people are trying so hard not to write a happy ending I like endings that suit the story, that feel right and make me feel like "yeah, this is the way this was supposed to end."

I also like slightly open endings because I also feel like that's more realistic. Not everything is going to get perfectly tied up at the end because that doesn't happen in life.

i saw sparks:

Uh, none of the above I prefer more realistic endings, ones that aren't necessarily happy, everything's-perfect-in-the-end, rainbows & butterflies endings or those ending's where everything is horrible because people are trying so hard not to write a happy ending I like endings that suit the story, that feel right and make me feel like "yeah, this is the way this was supposed to end."

I also like slightly open endings because I also feel like that's more realistic. Not everything is going to get perfectly tied up at the end because that doesn't happen in life.

Agreed. I love happy endings but I can take a sad ending if that's what the story needs. I do hate when people purposefully make the ending sad just so it's more 'realistic', even when there was no indication it was heading that way

As a rule, though, I dislike fully open endings because I hate having too many loose ends, I like to know why things happen or I drive myself crazy trying to figure it out myself, but I don't like it when it's all perfect and neat either because it just feels too easy.

I love happy endings, as long as they'e not too happy and unrealistic.
But I prefer writing sad endings.

Hopeful endings are kind of my favourite at the moment. There's something really beautiful about a light at the end of a tunnel, even if it's only a very small one.

I write whatever ending best suits my story. I don't begin writing a story with a "good" or "bad" ending in mind. I don't think it's all that realistic to think that the "bad" ending is always the best way to go just because not everyone always ends up happy in real life. There just needs to be some balance.

I love happy endings and much prefer them, however, the ending should be something that the protagonist earned, not something that was just given to them on a silver platter. I don't like depressing endings, but if it's a realistic sad/ bittersweet ending that fits the story line, then I'm fine with that. I just hate story lines that have a sad ending for the sake of having a sad ending.

fooleish:

Hopeful endings are kind of my favourite at the moment. There's something really beautiful about a light at the end of a tunnel, even if it's only a very small one.

I agree!

I think it depends on what suits the story. A story is like a gift of messages, and the plot is like the wrapping paper. How you tie things off, and with what kind of a ribbon, basically depends on the effect you want to create. I don't have a preference for happy or sad endings overall, but I do have a preference for endings that fit the story. The conclusion should really drive the story's meaning home.

Lady_DeathBat:

I just hate story lines that have a sad ending just for the sake of having a sad ending.

Totally agree.

Sad endings tend to make me feel a lot more and I think sad stories stay with yo more often than happy ones. I like writing that can move me and the easiest way to move someone (I think) is to make them sad. This is not to say I don't like happy endings. I like realistic endings that go well with the story. Most realistic ending (like in romance blah blah) the main character and their love interest don't stay together forever and miracles don't always happen in real life (when a character is sick blah blah) and sometimes people die.

Now I absolutely hate it when in a story someone dies and it's completely random and unnecessary. I use to see this in stories all the time. If it doesn't flow with the story it's such a huge turn off and it will completely ruin everything for me.

I recently just read the most heartbreaking story but it had the happiest ending and I literally cried happy tears for almost an hour. I think those are my favorite. I rather enjoy crying happy tears.

I love bittersweet endings the best. Or sad endings where everything goes wrong, but it somehow resolves itself and there's still a shred of hope at the end.

I love completely happy endings. If sad things happen in the end of the story but then instantly resolve themselves, then I'll be happy. Maybe I'm just so used to Disney movies.

Hopeful endings and really, really vague ones.
Like, I know I want to end Anachronous inside Denver Hardin's mind.
His final thoughts, maybe. Not sure yet.

For me, in writing or reading, it depends on what is best for the story. I am admittedly a sucker for a good happy ending, but I also love love love bittersweet endings (they are usually more believable too.) I also love endings that are either totally or just kinda open. And, if the story calls for it, I'm okay with a sad ending (I just might not want to read it if I'm not in a headspace to deal with that sort of thing.)

Actually, I think bittersweet and/or open endings may be one of my favorite things ever.

Happy. Always happy.