A new book is coming out on a 70 year longitudinal study of men. The key findings:
“The study, a product of the period in which it was conceived, has its limitations. Its only subjects are white, privileged men. Still, many of its findings seem universal. If they could be boiled down to a single revelation, it would be that the secret to a happy life is relationships, relationships, relationships. The best predictors of adult success and well-being are a childhood in which one feels accepted and nurtured; an empathic coping style at ages 20 through 35; and warm adult relationships.” A link to a review of the book is here.
It is not our careers or financial success that bring happiness to our lives. What matters the most is how we manage our close relationships. Wouldn’t it be nice if people put more time and effort trying to make their relationships work. If people would place more emphasis on taking a partner’s perspective into account and treating each other with kindness and respect, we all might be happier and lead more fulfilling lives as a result.
