TIME MAGAZINES ARTICLE ON "HAPPINESS"

See TIME, 1/17 (A1-A68)

Americans profess to be happy, but beneath this proclamation are lots of exceptions.
1. There richer you are the more likely you express happiness
2. We like being with out kids the most and sex the least. Does that make sense?
On a less global level, measuring the moods of 900 women, their choices in descending order were sex, socializing, relaxing, praying/meditating, and eating. Way down the list was taking care of the kids.
3. There appears to be biology of joy and some have more than others.
4. Laughter and meditation seem to help.
5. People that have a religious faith seem to be happier.
6. Per capita we are richer, but the middle class has only improved by 15% since 1984.
. The majority of money has gone to the top 20% who have those nice new big homes.
7. Marriage is better than being single, but it does not improve our overall happiness.

8. Companionship seems to be a very important answer.
9. Pets are great.
10. Cheering for a team seems to be related to happiness.
11. We are also happy if we believe that God wants us to be happy.
12. Resilience appears to an important part of happiness.
13. If we believe that we have some control over our lives that seems to help.
14. If we slow down, that helps.
15. If you force yourself to be happy, you won't be.