I was listening to the John Tesh radio show tonight on the way home. He was talking about a new study that suggests that people who are happy make the people around them happy without doing anything but being happy. Almost like it radiates off of them and the people around them absorb that happiness.
It's a fascinating concept. I started to think, am I happy? Yes! And then I started to think, am I making the people around me happy? I'm not sure. But the concept sure sounds nice, that I don't have to do anything but be happy. He said that the people most affected are those that live within a one mile radius of you. Obviously your spouse, family, and neighbors are the most affected. Coworkers and other people that you know that live in that range are also affected to a lesser degree.
It was also suggested that people you know by association can make you happy, so basically friends of friends. I think that's true. For example, Jessica and I were talking about a friend who just had twins. I'm not really friends with this girl, but I know her pretty well and I'm happy for her. Knowing that she's happy makes me happy. I can think of multiple examples of this, where a friend tells me a happy story about someone they know and then I feel good. The idea being that you get to hear that someone else is happy and then become happy by association.
The same would also be true, according to this study, of negative feelings. So of course, the study suggests that you should avoid spending time with negative people.
While most of this seems like common sense, it also suggested that people you don't even know would be affected by your happy mood. I would assume this would mean the people you come in contact with that don't really know you, but pick up on your emotions. For example, the woman who makes your coffee gets a smile and maybe a bigger tip because of your good mood, which in turn puts her in a better mood.
Any thoughts?
6 comments:
I know I always smile when I see Max's smiling face looking back at me on your site...and I live 800 miles away and don't even know you :)
you make me happy so there!
I have heard of this too. I think it is very true. I think the happier you are, the more you draw people to you as well. I see this in people like Karen. :)
Yep, I agree. Other people's moods totally change my mood. Being around happy people or hearing good things about other people just feels nice.
I agree as well, but only to a certain degree. People who are on the receiving end have to be receptive, too...
Viki has a point of being receptive - ever notice sometimes when you smile at someone at they just grump back?
I think it's true to some point. While a story of a friend of a friend might make me happy for a moment, it's not as long lasting as when it happens to a friend, family member, or well, honestly to me!! I might say it's nice and all, but it's not likely to turn around an otherwise cruddy day. But I do believe that positive energy is contagious!! And that's why people should smile when they see someone (even that bum on the street), maybe even say "hi" and use the words "please" and "thank you". It's amazing what those seemingly little actions can do for others. Ok, at least me - I'm assuming it's true for others, too.
John Tesh annoys me, by the way. I think it's his voice or tone...which is odd to me given the whole radio show and all...
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