Americans today may make more money than our parents did, but we have fewer friends and are in fact less happy. Reuters reports on a study recently presented in Italy that "Americans are less happy today than they were 30 years ago thanks to longer working hours and a deterioration in the quality of their relationsihps with friends and neighbors." The study found two primary indicators of happiness -- high income and good social relationships.
Based on that, "a person with no friends or social relations with neighbors would have to earn $320,000 more each year than someone who did to enjoy the same level of happiness." Despite the rise in our salaries over the past 30 years, Americans are now more lonely and mistrusting of others. As a result, we have fewer social contacts and relationships with our families, friends and neighbors.
Our long work hours have also contributed to the social decline, as we have become so absorbed by work that we have less time and energy for relationships. If this study hits too close to home, you may want to consider finding a new job or moving to one of the happier countries in the world -- Denmark, Malta or Switzerland. Check out the Happiness Foundation for more ways to boost your bliss.
Leave Comments(2) | Email to a Friend | Print Article will you be my friend? maybe i will cheer up. your answer will probably invalidate the "cheer up dude" comment.
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Americans today may make more money than our parents did, but we have fewer friends and are in fact less happy.
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