Love is All You Need (Really)
“If I just had a little more money, life would be easier and I would be happier.”
How many times have you had that thought? No matter how happy we are, many of us think that more money could increase our level of happiness. A Harvard research study of adult development that went on for 75 years(!) tracking 724 men and their families tells us that money is not the key to happiness. (There is a 12 minute video clip of one of the researchers giving a TED talk about the study in the above link. Check it out, it is very interesting.)
So what is most likely to bring us the most joy? According to the research, close relationships are the biggest predictor of happiness.
And the best part is that it doesn’t matter what kind of relationships these are! As long as we have someone we can really count on through life’s ups and downs, we are more likely to be healthier and happier.
We can have close relationships with friends, family members, and/or a significant other. The number of relationships aren’t as important as the quality. People who are in happy, healthy relationships of any kind will generally be happier, healthier and live longer.
On the other hand, loneliness can contribute to a less satisfying life with more health problems. Lonely people are also likely to die younger than those with high quality relationships.
It is important to remember that it’s possible to be lonely in a relationship or with a group of friends. The number of relationships we have are not a good predictor of happiness. Low quality relationships where there is a lot of conflict are obviously detrimental to happiness, and are also harmful to our health.
Related Post:Â 8 Ways to Be Happier Right Now
How Can We Build Better Relationships?
- Spend more physical time with loved ones. Engage in conversations.
- When losing a close relationship (through retiring from a job, for example), replace it with another close relationship.
- Forgive others. When you let go of the past, you are letting yourself heal as well as opening the door for a closer relationship with that person.
- Join a group. You might meet someone who shares an interest.
- Volunteer regularly. You may connect with someone you meet. Research also shows that helping others increases joy. A double dose of happiness!
These strategies help us to find the key to happiness for ourselves!
Related Post:Â Be Happier This Month: A 30 Day Gratitude Challenge
How do you build or maintain close relationships?
I think the “Golden Rule” always applies, to treat others the way we want to be treated. Most of the time, that action is reciprocated in kind, unless the other person has legitimate physical and/or mental health issues. I think my only slight disagreement here would be that fewer financial issues WOULD contribute somewhat to greater happiness, only in the context that there would be less stress and strain on a relationship. Otherwise, though, money really can’t buy happiness. Oh, and it’s probably wise to remember that it’s not money itself that is the root of all evil – but rather the LOVE of money over everything and everyone else.
Dr. Banks, I agree with you that money can ease some of the extra stress in life. Also, we are working to teach our children about the “Golden Rule”. They are young, but they all seem to have some level of understanding. It is so important!
My closest friends are all scattered across the country. But we make time to do video hangouts and just chat and catch up. Once a year we get together and it is like no time has passed. So much of this post rings true!
Laura, what a great idea!
This reminds me of a quote from an essay by Elbert Hubbard I read the other day: “The only way to secure friends is to be one. And before you are fit for friendship you must be able to do without it. That is to say, you must have sufficient self-reliance to take care of yourself, and then out of the surplus of your energy you can do for others.”
My husband came up with a good idea for cultivating relationships with the people in his life that he cares about: he scheduled times on his calendar each weekend to call a family member or close friend on a rotating basis – so each weekend he is calling one person, but a different person each week, so that he keeps in touch with all of them on a regular basis.
Ashley, thank you so much for sharing the quote by Elbert Hubbard. It is so true!
Also, I love your husband’s idea. I would also need to put it on the calendar to remember to do it and keep track of who to call. Thank him for me! 🙂
Close relationships are so important. You really have to take the time to nurture them.
I agree Emily. We have to show other people that they’re important to us through spending time with them.
You have to be intentional. Whether through giving of your time, conversations where you are actually engaged, or doing things for your relationships that are not asked for or required. All these help with my relationships and true happiness.
These are great pieces of advice. Thank you Linda!
Communication is a big one. Doing things together and yet still giving each other space to do our own thing.
Candy I agree. I am still working on sufficient communication!