How much per say?

per se -- by, of, or in itself; as such; intrinsically (source: Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary.)

I am noticing, with increasing frequency, that per se is being replaced with "per say." While they sound the same, which is the source of the problem, they are different. The term per se is Latin or at least derived from Latin, while "per say" is a pair of English words.

I wonder what "per say" could be used for? Speech that is limited in some way? "You will have your say, but you only have five minutes per say."

Can you be too happy?

Or, what is a normal default state? Happiness and sadness both occur and are to be expected. But if a person is sad often and for long time, it might be considered a problem and treated. Part of this treatment can be anti-depressant drugs. But, are there people who are just too happy for too long? Not obsessive, not manic, not hallucinating, but just "too happy" compared to so-called normal people? Do they have some sort of pro-depressants[1] prescribed? Do they get counseling on not being so "up" and all?

I rather doubt it, but it is an interesting thought, looking at it backward from the usual. It's certainly understandable to pick the more pleasant state as the preferred default.

[1]I can't say "depressants" since depressants, as the name is used, are drugs that tend to have a calming effect. These are more anti-anxiety or tranquilizers than something to smooth off the peaks of excess happiness.

The first place I remember living in

( The house on Liberty street )