Monday, March 08, 2010

1088 - Make me happy!

How's everybody doing? Are you having a nice day? How are the kids? Did you get the grass cut yesterday? (I saw somebody cutting grass today) Blah blah blah ....

I should be happy, right? Nice little chit chat? Read on.


Psychologists and researchers alike have been studying the well being and happiness of people in relation to the conversations they have with others. Their studies included personality tests and well-being assessments as well as a listening device that was worn for four days.

Psychologists and researchers listened to these devices and determined which conversations were trivial, and which were considered deep and meaningful. They found that the happiest people spend 25 percent less time alone, and 70 percent more time having conversations with others. This may not be surprising information but what they discovered next, was very surprising.

The type of conversation that the participants were involved in had a large effect on their happiness level. Small talk and chit chatting by the participants did not raise the happiness level a significant amount. However, those participants that delved into deep, meaningful, and profound conversations, had a significant increase in well being and happiness. A professor at the University of Arizona speculated that this shows our need as humans to connect on a deeper level. Meaningful interaction creates a sense of security and intimacy that is necessary for our happiness and well being.

This study and the findings were recently published in Psychological Science.



So, tell me your deepest darkest thoughts. Make me happy!!!!!


 

8 comments:

John A Hill said...

Deep thought discussions are best when they take place in an outdoor setting with a Ted Drewe's in hand.

It was good to see you today.

Mike said...

J - I think my triglycerides are still hovering around 300.

Schmoop said...

I shared my deepest thoughts on my blog today, and yes, it made me feel much better. Cheers Mike!!

Bandit said...

My deep thought is my comment on Bilbo's post for today.

The Mistress of the Dark said...

I find I'm at my happiest when I have no deep dark thoughts to talk about :P

Mike said...

MM - Those thoughts were a little too deep.

B - Be nice to your customers today. You're not off to a good start.

M - Me too.

Amanda said...

I agree with The Mistress. In fact, on days that I have to do deep dark thinking....I feel extra sleepy.

Mike said...

A - Sleepy and HUNGRY.