The Sims 3/Moodlets

Moodlets help set how your sim is feeling. If your sim is hungry, they will get the "feels hungry" moodlet, (this will give minus mood points) and it will proceed to get worse until you tell the sim to make themselves some food. Or, if you're on free will mode, they will get some themselves. There are lots of moodlets you can achieve, but they only last a certain time. Watch the timer below the moodlet to see how long is left. If there is a horizontal line, then it's because of your surroundings. If you had a house near the sea, you will have nice views. Your sims appreciate this and get the "Beautiful Vista" moodlet. (This will stay until you leave the lot). This gives them a certain number of mood points. This adds up to how happy your sim is. The happier your sim is, the quicker your aspiration points go up. So low needs means big moodlets, which results in a happy sim and aspiration points. So keep them happy, and aim for as many positive moodlets as you can.