Studies have shown that how happy we are has a lot to do with
our natural temperament. To a large extent, it’s in our genes.
Circumstance also affects happiness but not always in ways that
we would expect. Apparently wealth, education, youth and good
looks don’t contribute very much to happiness. So what does
matter? For a start, married people are significantly happier
than those who are not whereas divorced people tend to be more
miserable. In case you’re wondering, having kids doesn’t do much
to boost happiness, especially if they are living at home!
There’s an injection of joy when a child is born, but that wears
off after 2 years. The good news is friendship has a significant
effect on happiness. The wider and deeper your relationships
with friends, the happier you’re likely to be. On the other end
of the scale, circumstances like losing a spouse or a job can
produce lasting unhappiness and long term damage. How to boost
happiness? Genetic disposition makes up a whopping 50% while
circumstances account f