Dr. Arthur Brooks@arthurbrooks
Most people assume happiness comes from success, money, or recognition. The strongest evidence we have says otherwise.
For more than eighty years, Harvard researchers have followed people across their lives. The clearest finding is that close relationships matter more for long-term well-being than anything else.
You also don’t need many of them. Research from the University of Michigan suggests that two relationships carry most of the weight: a spouse and one true friend.
So what makes a true friend? Jonathan Goodman offers a simple test. A true friend is useless to your ambitions. They make effort even when it is inconvenient. And they are genuinely happy when things go well for you.
As adults, it is easy to collect contacts and still feel lonely. Mental health is shaped more by depth than by numbers.
If you have a friend like this, value them. And be that friend in return.
Speaking of a true friend, @itscoachgoodman just released his new book today, "Unhinged Habits."
You can get your copy here: a.co/d/6Z0r1eE