If Someone Is Happy Without You Quotes? The 199 New Answer

When things are looking dark, we can all use a simple reminder of what really matters. We can all use a little inspiration boost.

Here are 75 happiness quotes that can do just that.

Tweet them. share them

But most importantly, pick one you like the most and place it where you will see it every day… and let it help make your day a little bit brighter.

Regardless of how being alone makes you feel, building a good relationship with yourself is a worthwhile investment. After all, you spend quite a bit of time with yourself, so you might as well learn to enjoy it.

Some people are naturally happy alone. But for others, being alone is a challenge. If you fall into the latter group, there are ways to become more comfortable with being alone (yes, even if you’re a hardcore extrovert).

Before we delve into the ins and outs of being alone, it’s important to understand that being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Sure, you can be alone and feel lonely, but that doesn’t always have to go hand in hand.

On the other hand, you may be surrounded by family and friends but have no real relationship beyond a superficial level, making you feel quite empty and disconnected. Or maybe being alone just makes you sad and longs for company. This is loneliness.

Perhaps you are a person who absolutely basks in solitude. You are not antisocial, friendless, or unloving. You’re just quite content with alone time. Actually looking forward to it. It’s just being alone, not being lonely.

Before we dive into the different ways to find happiness in being alone, it’s important to disentangle these two concepts: aloneness and loneliness. Although there is some overlap between them, they are completely different concepts.

These tips should help you get the ball rolling. They may not change your life overnight, but they can help you become more comfortable with being alone.

Some of them may be just what you wanted to hear. Others may not make sense to you. Use them as stepping stones. Add them and customize them along the way to suit your own lifestyle and personality.

1. Avoid comparing yourself to others

Easier said than done, but try to avoid comparing your social life to that of others. It doesn’t matter how many friends you have or how often you go out socially. It’s what works for you.

Remember, you really have no way of knowing if someone is actually happy with a bunch of friends and a jam-packed social calendar.

2. Take a step back from social media

Social media isn’t inherently bad or problematic, but if scrolling through your feeds makes you feel left out and stressed, take a few steps back. This feed doesn’t tell the whole story. Not for a long time.

You have no idea if these people are truly happy or just appearing to be. Either way, it’s not a reflection of you. So take a deep breath and put it in perspective.

Take a test run and block yourself from social media for 48 hours. If that makes a difference, try setting a daily limit of 10-15 minutes and stick to it.

3. Take a phone break

Do you notice a topic here? Cell phones and social media have undoubtedly changed the concept of being alone.

Is someone truly alone when they can pick up the phone and text or just call anyone? Or see what that high school friend is up to without having to talk to them?

That’s not to say that technology isn’t an incredibly helpful tool for building community and feeling close to loved ones who might be far away. But it’s easy to rely on devices to keep you from being alone with your own thoughts.

Next time you’re alone, turn off your phone and put it away for an hour. Use this time to reconnect with yourself and explore what it feels like to be truly alone.

Don’t know how to pass the time? Grab a pen and notepad and jot down things you might like to do the next time you’re alone.

4. Take time to let your mind wander

Does the thought of doing nothing bother you? That’s probably because it’s been a long time since you allowed yourself to just be.

Experiment by setting a timer for 5 minutes. That’s it.

Five minutes without:

TV

music

Internet

podcast

Books

Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes, darken the room, or stare out the window if you like. If that’s too sedentary, try a repetitive task like knitting, dribbling a basketball, or washing dishes.

Let your mind wander – really wander – and see where it takes you. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t get you very far at first. Over time, your mind will get used to this new freedom.

5. Date yourself

They may sound cliche, but self-dates can be a powerful tool for learning how to be happy alone.

Not sure what to do? Imagine trying to impress a real date and showing them a good time. where would you take her What should you see or experience?

Take this date now. It might feel a bit strange at first, but chances are you’ll see at least a few other people eating alone or buying a movie ticket for you.

If money is an issue, you don’t have to go big. But also remember that paying for one is a lot cheaper than paying for two.

Still sounds too daunting? Start small by sitting in a coffee shop for just 10 minutes. Be observant and enjoy your surroundings. Once you get used to it, going out alone won’t seem so unusual.

6. Get physical

Exercise helps release endorphins, the neurotransmitters in your brain that can make you happier.

If you’re new to the sport, start with just a few minutes a day, even if it’s just morning stretches. Increase your activity by one to two minutes each day. As you gain confidence, try weight training, aerobics, or exercise.

Plus, if you’re still uneasy about going out alone, going to the gym alone can be a great place to start.

7. Spend time with nature

Yes, another cliché. But seriously, go outside. Relax in the backyard, take a walk in the park, or relax by the water. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Feel the breeze on your face.

Research shows that spending 30 minutes or more a week in nature can improve symptoms of depression and lower blood pressure.

8. Lean in the benefits of being alone

Some people find it especially difficult to be happy when they live alone. Sure, it might be a bit quiet, and there’s no one around to listen to you vent after work or remind you to turn off the stove.

But living alone has its perks too (naked vacuuming, anyone?). Try to take advantage of the physical and mental freedom that comes with living alone:

Take up all the space. Spend the day taking up the entire kitchen to prepare a delicious meal to eat for the next week.

Spend the day taking up the entire kitchen to prepare a delicious meal to eat for the next week. To distribute. Are you trying to get back into an old hobby? Get all your materials and spread them out on the floor and decide what to use for your next project. Not ready with the decision in a single day? No problem. Leave it until you’re done, even if it’s in a week.

Are you trying to get back into an old hobby? Get all your materials and spread them out on the floor and decide what to use for your next project. Not ready with the decision in a single day? No problem. Leave it until you’re done, even if it’s in a week. Have a dance party. This one is pretty self explanatory. Put on your favorite music and, if the neighbors allow it, turn it up. Dance like nobody’s watching because, well… they don’t.

9. Volunteer

There are so many ways to volunteer to help others. You can volunteer personally or help from home. In any case, it can do you good to help others. Plus, it can help you feel connected to others while still having some alone time.

Research volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. Finding something that feels right to you is important. Make sure their needs align well with what you want and can do.

If the first thing you try doesn’t work, it’s perfectly reasonable to go ahead and look for something else.

Perform a random act of kindness whenever the opportunity presents itself.

10. Acknowledge things for which you are grateful

Research shows that gratitude can increase feelings of happiness and hope.

It’s easy to take things for granted as you go about your day. Take some time to think about the things you are grateful for.

It doesn’t have to be spectacular, overwhelming things. They can be as simple as the first cup of java in the morning or a song that you keep playing because it calms your nerves.

Make a list – mentally or physically – of the things in your life that you appreciate. The next time you’re alone and feeling down, pull out this list to remind yourself of everything that’s good for you.

11. Give yourself a break

Self-reflection is a good thing. It’s not hard self-judgment. It eats away at your confidence and happiness. When that negative inner critic comes to you, turn to that more positive voice that resides in your head (you know it’s in there somewhere).

Don’t judge yourself more harshly than others. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t beat yourself up about them all the time. Think of the many good qualities you possess.

12. Serve yourself a premium meal

No food accompaniment? Eating alone doesn’t have to mean eating packaged foods in front of the TV. Prepare a fabulous meal for one.

Set the table, use a cloth napkin, light a candle and do what you would do if you were throwing a dinner party. You are worth it to yourself.

13. Find a creative outlet

What have you always dreamed of but put off? Don’t worry if you’re not good at it. It’s about trying something new and different, stepping out of your comfort zone.

Take on a home improvement project. Learn to play an instrument, paint a landscape, or write a short story. Do it alone or sign up for a class. Give yourself enough time to see if it’s worth continuing.

If you don’t like it, you can at least cross it off your list and move on to something else.

14. Make plans for solo trips

Find interesting things to do and put them on your calendar. Treat yourself to something to look forward to. Because anticipation is half the fun. Also, it can help you see it on your calendar.

Visit a nearby town and stay in a bed and breakfast. Visit a local festival or farmers market. Buy a ticket to a concert or the amazing art exhibition that everyone is talking about. Plan something that really interests you and make it happen.

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We all want to be happy, right? These happiness quotes are the place to start your quest.

After all, life is better when we’re happy, healthy, and successful.

To help you on your journey please enjoy these feel good quotes about happiness and happiness to help you find joy and contentment in life.

happiness quotes

“Happiness is a direction, not a place.” – Sydney J. Harris

Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them. Steve Maraboli

Happiness does not mean being physically tormented or mentally troubled. Thomas Jefferson

Happiness is always a by-product. It’s probably a temperament thing, and for all I know it could be glands. But it’s not something life can ask for, and if you’re not happy you’d better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can find in your own brand of misfortune. Robertson Davis

The secret of happiness is to find a sympathetic monotony. vs. Pritchett

The greatest happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. Victor Hugo

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved. George Sand

“Being happy depends on ourselves.” – Aristotle

All happiness or unhappiness depends solely on the quality of the object to which we are attached through love. Baruch Spinoza

Happiness consists more in the comforts of daily enjoyment than in the great fortunes that come seldom. Benjamin Franklin

Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination. Immanuel Kant

Giving up some of the things you desire is an indispensable part of happiness. Bertrand Russell

A major obstacle to happiness is expecting too much happiness. Bernard of Fontenelle

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind, he can find the way to enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will come naturally to him. Buddha

There’s a kind of sweet innocence about being human—not just having to be happy or just sad—in the nature of being able to be broken and whole at the same time. C. JoyBell C.

“Happiness is a form of courage.” – Holbrook Jackson

Even a happy life cannot be without some degree of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced with sadness. It is far better to take things as they come with patience and equanimity. Karl Jung

The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage. Carrie Jones

Not how much we have, but how much we enjoy makes us happy. Charles Spurgeon

There is no happiness like being loved by your fellow creatures and feeling that your presence adds to their comfort. Charlotte Bronte

If you want to be happy for an hour, take a nap. If you want to be happy for a day, go fishing. If you want to be happy for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want lifelong happiness, help someone else. Chinese proverb

The only way to find true happiness is to risk being cut open completely. Chuck Palahniuk

No one really cares if you’re unhappy, so you might as well be happy. Cynthia Nelms

“Happiness is not a goal; it’s a by-product.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Happiness is not finished. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama

It’s not what you have or who you are or where you are or what you do that makes you happy or unhappy. It’s what you think about it. Dale Carnegie

People are unhappy when they get something too easily. You gotta sweat – that’s the only moral they know. Dany Laferriere

We cannot control the world. We can only (barely) control our own reactions to it. Happiness is largely a choice, not a right or claim. David C. Huegel

Happiness cannot be traveled, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. DennisWaitley

I think the key to life is to be a happy person and happiness brings you success. Diego Val

Happiness is being content with what you have, living in freedom and liberty, having a good family life and good friends. Divyanka Tripathi

“Happiness is only real when shared.” – Jon Krakauer

Happiness is the period of time between periods of unhappiness. Don Marquis

The world is full of people seeking spectacular happiness while repressing contentment. Doug Larson

Happiness grows at our own fireplaces and is not picked in someone else’s gardens. Douglas Jerold

Happiness is excitement that has found a permanent place. But there’s always a little corner that keeps flapping around. E.L. Koenigsburg

Happiness is always the random result of finding something else. dr Ideal Dreimer

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. be happy now Don’t wait for something outside of you to make you happy in the future. Count Nightingale

The essence of philosophy is that a man should live in such a way that his happiness depends as little as possible on external things. Epictetus

“No medicine can heal what luck cannot.” – Gabriel García Márquez

The search for happiness is one of the main sources of unhappiness. Eric Hoffer

My family didn’t have much money and I’m grateful for that. Money is the longest way to happiness. Evangeline Lili

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. Franklin D Roosevelt

We tend to forget that happiness does not come from getting what we don’t have, but from recognizing and appreciating what we do have. Frederick King

There can be no happiness when the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark

Give a man health and a course to steer, and he will never stop worrying about whether he is happy or not. George Bernard Shaw

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. George Burns

“Happiness is a place between too much and too little.” – Finnish proverb

How easy it is to see that we can only be happy now and there will never be a time when it isn’t now. Gerald Jampolski

Happiness is a by-product of trying to make someone else happy. Gretta Brooker Palmer

Happiness greases the axes of the world. Don’t go through life creaking. H.W. Byles

Happiness and sadness run parallel to each other. When one is resting, the other tends to fill the gap. Hazelmarie Elliott

True happiness is not attained through self-indulgence, but through loyalty to a worthy cause. Helen Keller

All happiness depends on courage and work. Honore de Balzac

Every once in a while it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. Guillaume Apollinaire

“Happiness is the natural flower of duty.” -Philipp Brooks

So let the reader answer that question for themselves: who is the happier person, the one who has braved the storm of life and lived, or the one who stayed safe on land and just existed? Hunter S. Thompson

Happiness is a matter of the most ordinary and commonplace consciousness that is busy and lively and unconcerned about itself. Iris Murdoch

Happiness is distraction from human tragedy. J.M. Reinoso

True happiness is not a passing pleasure, but so intertwined with the future that it blesses forever. James Lendall Basford

Real happiness is cheap enough, but how dearly do we pay for its fake. Hosea Ballou

The fool seeks happiness far away, the wise it grows beneath their feet. Jacob Oppenheim

I have to learn to be content with being happier than I deserve. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

“Happiness is where we find it, but very seldom where we seek it.” – J. Petit Senn

Who is the happiest man? Who appreciates the merits of others and enjoys their pleasure even as if it were his own. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ask yourself if you are happy and you stop being. John Stuart Mill

You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. Jonathan Safran Foer

Three great foundations of happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Joseph Addison

The lack of happiness makes you think that even the happiness you have is unbearable. Joseph Roux

It’s been my experience that if you’re determined to do something, you can almost always enjoy it. L.M. Montgomery

If you look for fulfillment in others, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be satisfied with yourself. Be content with what you have; enjoy the way things are. When you realize that nothing is lacking, the world is yours. Lao Tzu

“Happiness is a function of accepting what is.” – Werner Erhard

You can’t be happy unless you’re unhappy sometimes. Lauren Oliver

As people spin faster and faster only to pursue personal happiness, they exhaust themselves in the futile effort of chasing themselves. Andrew Delbanco

To have great happiness one must have great pain and unhappiness—otherwise how would you know when you are happy? Leslie Caron

There are two things to strive for in life: first, to get what you want; and then to enjoy it. Only the wisest of humanity attain the second. Logan Pearsall Smith

Let’s be grateful to the people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls bloom. Marcel Proust

Those who live in harmony with themselves live in harmony with the universe. Marcus Aurelius

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. Marcus Aurelius

“There is no such thing as beauty cosmetics like happiness.” – Dame Blessington

Happiness is not a state that one achieves, but a way of travelling. Margaret Lee Runbeck

Happiness is a constant work-in-progress, because problem-solving is a constant work-in-progress—the solutions to today’s problems lay the foundation for tomorrow’s problems, and so on. True happiness comes only when you find the problems you love to have and love to solve. Mark Manson

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi

In my life I have learned that true happiness comes from giving. Helping others along the way makes you appreciate who you are. I think love is what we are all looking for. I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t become a better person through love. Marla Gibbs

Happiness is a balanced combination of love, work and happiness. Mary Wilson Little

Happiness always looks small when you hold it in your hands, but let it go and you will immediately realize how big and precious it is. Maxim Gorky

Many things can make you miserable for weeks; only a few can bring you a whole day of happiness. Mignon McLaughlin

“Reason and luck are an impossible combination.” – Mark Twain

Happiness is a dry martini and a good wife. Or a bad woman. George Burns

Happiness in this world, when it comes, comes by the way. Make it the target of the pursuit and it will lead us to a wild chase and will never be reached. Nathaniel Hawthorne

Happiness is the basic state. It’s what’s there when you remove the feeling that something is missing in life. Naval Ravikant

Those who can laugh for no reason have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone completely insane. Norm Papernick

Happiness is holding someone in your arms and knowing that you hold the whole world. Orhan Pamuk

Happiness is the result of the relative strength of positive and negative feelings rather than an absolute amount of one or the other. Norman Bradburn

Happiness is an accident of nature, a beautiful and flawless aberration. Pat Conroy

“There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

It’s the moments when I stopped just to be instead of doing that have given me true happiness. Mr Richard Branson

To be happy, you have to imagine that everything you have is a gift and you are the chosen one, even though you’ve worked your ass off for every bit of it. Robert Brault

Most people would rather be certain that they are unhappy than risk being happy. Robert Anton

Don’t waste your time with anger, regret, worry, and resentment. Life is too short to be unhappy. Roy T Bennett

Happiness is the experience of loving life. To be happy means to be in love with this momentary experience. And love looks at someone or even something and sees the absolute best in him/her. Love is happiness with what you see. So love and happiness are really the same thing… just put it differently. Robert McPhillips

Love is that state in which another person’s happiness is essential to your own. Robert A. Heinlein

The happiness of life consists of the small benefits of a kiss or a smile, a friendly look, a warm compliment. Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“Happiness is a state of activity.” – Aristotle

Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic reaction. Mildred Barthel

Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness. Ain Rand

Indeed, our ability to derive happiness from aesthetic objects or material goods appears to be critically dependent on first satisfying a more important set of emotional or psychological needs, including the needs for understanding, love, expression, and respect. Alain de Botton

The true secret of happiness lies in genuine interest in all the details of daily life. William Morris

The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you don’t necessarily need happiness. William Saroyan

People should find happiness in the little things, like family. Amanda Bynes

If we would just stop being happy we could have a pretty good time. Edith Wharton

“Happiness is an inside job.” —William Arthur Ward

Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and goal of human existence. Aristotle

Luck makes up for in height what it lacks in length. Robert Frost

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. Franklin D Roosevelt

quotes about being happy

These happiness quotes are about being happy.

Sometimes a simple change will help you be happy and make others happy too.

If you are not happy here and now, you never will be. Taisen Deshimaru

We all live with the aim of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same. Anne Frank

I only have two types of days: happy and hysterically happy. Allen J Lefferdink

“If you want to be happy, be.” – Leo Tolstoy

You will never be happy if you keep looking for what happiness is made of. You will never live if you search for the meaning of life. Albert Camus

You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships every day. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity. Epicurus

Many people have a misconception of what true happiness is. It is not achieved through self-gratification, but through loyalty to a worthy cause. Helen Keller

Most people would rather be certain that they are unhappy than risk being happy. Robert Anton

The fact is always evident far too late, but the most unique difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is a solid and joy is a liquid. J.D. Salinger

Happy girls are the most beautiful. Audrey Hepburn

People are usually as happy as they imagine. AbrahamLincoln

“Whoever is happy will make others happy.” – Anne Frank

By and large, the happiest people seem to be those who have no particular reason to be happy other than that they are. William R. Inge

There are two ways to be happy: we must either reduce our needs or increase our means – both are possible – the result is the same and it is up to each individual to do what is easier for him at the moment. Benjamin Franklin

You can only have bliss if you are not chasing after it. Henepola Gunaratana

When a person’s basic state is serene and calm, it is possible for that inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she enjoys physical comforts, he or she will not truly be able to experience the happiness that these could bring . Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

Be happy with what you have. Be curious about what you want. Alan Cohen

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do, you will be successful. Albert Swiss

“Be happy. It’s a way of being wise.” – Colette

No one is in control of your happiness but you; Therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change. Barbara DeAngelis

Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. WP Kinsella

Man likes to count his sorrows, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them as he should, he would see that there was enough luck in each lot. Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Too often in life something happens and we blame other people for not being happy, content, or fulfilled. So the point is, we all have choices, and we make choices to accept people or situations or not to accept situations. Tom Brady

In fact, man wants to be happy even if he lives in such a way that happiness is impossible. Saint Augustine

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer up someone else. Mark Twain

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

Can something be so elegant as to have few wishes and serve them yourself? Ralph Waldo Emerson

The habit of being happy enables one to become free, or largely free, from mastery of external conditions. Robert Louis Stevenson

Happiness is like a butterfly that when pursued is always out of our reach, but if you sit quietly it can land on you. Nathaniel Hawthorne

If you want to be happy, set a goal that controls your thoughts, frees your energy, and inspires your hope. Andrew Carnegie

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. Dalai Lama

Just as a prudent businessman avoids investing all his capital in a single company, so wisdom would probably warn us not to look to one quarter for our happiness. Sigmund Freud

A truly happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery in a detour. unknown

“Joy is a love net to catch souls with.” – Mother Teresa

The only way to avoid being unhappy is to not have enough free time to wonder if you are happy or not. George Bernard Shaw

If you watch a truly happy man, you’ll find him building a boat, writing a symphony, educating his son, growing double dahlias in his garden, or hunting for dinosaur eggs in the Gobi desert. He won’t seek happiness like a collar button rolled under the heater. He will not strive for it as an end in itself. He will have realized that throughout life he is happy for twenty-four crowded hours of the day. W. Beran Wolfe

If there were a large number of people in the world today who desired their own happiness more than the misery of others, we could have paradise in a few years. Bertrand Russell

When neither property nor honor is touched, most men live contentedly. Nicolo Machiavelli

We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than we have wealth without producing it. George Bernard Shaw

We are no longer happy as soon as we want to be happier. Walter Wilder Landor

Undoubtedly it is possible to renounce happiness; it is being done involuntarily by nineteen twentieths of humanity. John Stuart Mill

“For every minute you’re angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happiness consists more in the comforts of daily enjoyment than in the great fortunes that come seldom. Benjamin Franklin

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi

Happiness is when your dentist tells you it doesn’t hurt and then lets them put their hand in the drill. Johnny Carson

It’s not what you have or who you are or where you are or what you do that makes you happy or unhappy. It’s what you think about it. Dale Carnegie

Happiness isn’t something you put off until the future; it’s something you design for the present. Jim Rohn

“One joy dispels a hundred sorrows.” – Chinese proverb

If you want to be happy for an hour – take a nap. If you want to be happy for a day – go fishing. If you want to be happy for a month – get married. If you want to be happy for a year – inherit a fortune. If you want to be happy for a lifetime – help someone else. Chinese proverb

The fool seeks happiness far away, the wise it grows beneath their feet. Jacob Oppenheim

Don’t judge anything, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be the happiest. Sri Chinmoy

Many people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they haven’t stopped enjoying it. William Feder

We cannot be happy if we expect to live at peak intensity all the time. Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony. Thomas Merton

Most of us believe that we should only try to make other people happy if they can be happy in a way that we approve of. Robert S Lynd

“Learning to let go. That is the key to happiness.” – Buddhas

We hope these happiness quotes will lift your spirits and brighten your day.

Share them with your friends to spread the good vibes and choose to be happier today.

Respect + freedom = also love

In my experience, many men also long to feel respected and supported in the things that matter most to them. For some men, having partners who support them in pursuing their hobbies or interests outside of a relationship is a very meaningful way to feel loved. It may sound paradoxical to love someone by setting them free, but many men find tremendous satisfaction in relationships where they are not only accepted but valued for who they are.

A mistake I often see in women is the assumption that men should feel connected and romantic in the same ways that they do: through conversations, time together, gifts, etc. (which makes women feel frustrated or rejected when they try to show love the way they think their partner “should” experience it and it’s not well received). This can lead to conflict or worse, partners withdrawing from their attempts to show love.

Men and women deal with stress differently

One flaw I often see with my marriage counseling couples is that they expect each other to deal with stress in similar ways — and often ruthlessly judge each other when they don’t. For example, when men experience stress or challenging life situations, they internalize stress more than women. They sometimes withdraw, distract themselves, or do other things instead of talking about how they’re feeling. (Or even feel what they feel, honestly). Women are more prone to externalizing stress, which means they feel and talk about all the feelings. You want to look for connection in difficult times.

You see where this leads: When both partners are stressed, when one can handle withdrawal and the other can handle talking…. both will feel that they are not getting what they need from the other. Women feel left out, devalued, or rejected by their partners in the moments when they need them most. At the same time, men often feel bothered about talking about things they don’t want to talk about (or don’t even know how to talk about) and are then criticized when they don’t “do it right”.

I recently discussed this dynamic with a male marriage counselor to get his perspective on improving couples’ communication during stressful times. Here are his tips for couple communication during stressful times.

The Platinum Rule of Relationships

Never forget that the golden rule we are taught is “treat others how we would like to be treated” when it comes to a great relationship, the platinum rule takes precedence which is “treat others how”. (Learn more about Dr. Helen Fisher’s “Platinum Rule” in the podcast episode we recorded together, “Finally Understanding Your Relationship.”) Often, your husband wants more knowing better than anything that you like him, that you respect him, and that you find him sexually attractive When in doubt, start there.

Never assume what “love” means to others

However, all men are different. Some men feel the deepest connection through sexuality. For others, the culmination of the emotional connection is conversation, time together, or ministry. Every romance begins and ends with paying attention to the other person’s feelings and showing them that you love them in ways that matter to them. Not sure how your man feels most loved? Ask him!

But never forget that men crave romance and connection just as much as women, even if they experience it differently. Take the time to figure out what matters most to your most important person.

If that sounds like a lot of work, consider that a wonderful side benefit of being romantic with your man is that you’re much more likely to regain romantic energy as well. It’s easy to love when we’re feeling loved, isn’t it?

Be the change you want to see in your relationship!

All the best,

dr Lisa Marie Bobby

PS: A great way to get the conversation ball rolling about what the two of you need from each other and take action to change the dynamic in your relationship for the better is to take my How Healthy Is Your Relationship Quiz with your partner and discuss the results. It’s just a starting point, but it can open the door to great things for both of you. I hope you check it out! xoxo, LMB

When learning to ignore someone you love, it’s important to know the difference between flirtatious and cruel.

You don’t ignore someone you love to make them feel bad. This is not a game played to be cruel.

If you’re ignoring someone you’re attracted to, it’s all about maintaining some distance from them to pique their interest.

Being overly available can be off-putting for some people. Checking in frequently and always making time for your spouse can make them feel like the hunt is over.

On the other hand, waiting to reply to her messages and maintaining your independence when dating can make you appear more attractive to your loved one.

Ignoring someone you care about is not for everyone. If you think your partner would benefit from a little hot and cold flirting, this article is for you.

Psychology of ignoring someone

If you’re thinking about ignoring someone, your mind is probably going negative. When someone ignores you on purpose, it’s usually because you did something hurtful or upsetting to them.

This is not always the case. Sometimes the psychology of ignoring someone you love has everything to do with trying to get their attention — not push them away.

Ignoring someone you’re attracted to can be a great way to get someone into a relationship with you.

If you’re already dating, it can give your partner space to reflect on your current relationship and show appreciation.

A marriage study called The Early Years of Marriage Project, which has followed the same 373 couples for over 25 years, found that a lack of privacy or time to oneself was to blame for creating an unhappy relationship.

It should be made clear that this article will not tolerate a deadlock when it comes to learning how to ignore someone you love. Giving a partner the silent treatment can be

psychologically harmful and emotionally abusive.

This article is about using a flirty demeanor to get the attention of someone you care about.

10 ways to ignore someone you love

When someone ignores you on purpose, it can send you into a frenzy of love and affection. That’s the goal of ignoring your girlfriend or boyfriend in this case.

By not being fully available to your love interest, you make her try harder to win your affections.

Here are 10 simple tips to learn how to ignore someone you love.

1. Don’t be too eager

For some, love’s flame begins to flicker when the hunt ends.

Many enjoy the thrill of starting a new relationship, but once there is stability, they quickly become bored.

When you learn to ignore someone you love, develop a careful method of keeping things exciting without bringing chaos to the relationship.

One lesson in ignoring someone you’re attracted to is to keep your cool. Don’t be too eager to rush to them if you’re in the same room.

If you meet at a social gathering, take the time to say hello to other friends before approaching your crush. This gives them time to look forward to talking to you.

Be friendly and funny, but don’t let them know how pleased you are to talk to them.

2. Stay strong

Ignoring someone you love isn’t easy, so it’s important to stay strong and persevere.

It’s hard to pretend you’re not happy to be around your crush but stick to the plan.

When done right, ignoring the object of your affection can lead to a stronger bond and a more exciting relationship.

If you feel like your plan isn’t working, give it a few more days. Your crush might start acting on your flirtatious tricks.

3. Don’t respond to messages immediately

Learning how to ignore someone you love takes restraint, especially when it comes to calls and texts.

If your crush asks you out or sends you a flirt text, you might want to respond right away — but don’t.

The key to the success of this plan is to make yourself appear untouchable. It is designed to create an atmosphere of mystery that will draw your love interest even more from your company.

Show some restraint and let them wait a few hours before responding. Be kind when you do it. Remember, you want them to know that you are interested in them. You just don’t want them thinking you’re coming running when they snap.

Related Reading: Understanding the Dynamics of Texting in a Relationship

4. Live your own life

Independence is sexy.

Don’t feel like you have to invite the person you care about to every social event on your calendar just to get their attention. Doing the opposite may be just the trick you need to win her affection.

Invite your crush over with some friends, then skip them at the next hangout. This will remind her that she’s someone you enjoy spending time with, but you don’t need her to have a good time.

When your crush sees that you are happy and independent in your life, it will reassure you that you are worth getting to know.

5. Be patient

Learning to ignore someone you love takes patience. It’s not a strategy for everyone, especially if you just want to wrap your arms around your loved one.

Your plan will pay off with persistence.

You may feel rude at times brushing off your crush, but remember that you’re ignoring them because you want their attention.

Your crush might try to be cool with you and maybe even give you a taste of what it feels like to be ignored. This can make you feel like your plan isn’t working, but be patient. Your plan will pay off.

6. Keep yourself busy, but not too busy

Learning to ignore someone you love is all about finding the right balance of making your crush feel special and unavailable.

This creates an emotional rush that will eventually strengthen your connection.

If they ask you what you’re up to, tell them you have plans, but don’t forget to give something back as well.

Being busy doesn’t mean you can never give them the time of day. If you don’t show interest in them, how can you expect them to continue to be interested in you?

Make plans together for a week and have fun, then cross them out for a few days. This will keep them on their toes on how to get you back out on your next date.

7. Don’t be rude

The psychology of ignoring someone suggests you play them hot and cold.

This means that one minute your passion for them is burning like a roaring campfire, and the next they’re feeling frozen and wondering where all your heat has gone. Essentially, you engage in one conversation and distance and cool off the next.

The point of ignoring someone is to pique their interest, not to make them feel guilty. Don’t be afraid to throw them a leash.

Be flirtatious, be cute, show them you care, and then back off slightly. This back and forth will pique their interest and keep them on their toes on how to win your affection forever.

When someone ignores you on purpose, it can be exhausting. You don’t want your crush to feel like this. The goal is for them to be tempted by your lovemaking and not exhausted by it.

8. Pay attention to your intuition

Learning how to ignore someone you love isn’t for everyone, just like learning to deal with being ignored by someone you love may not be as sexy and exciting as you might have hoped.

Your intuition will play a major role in how things go from hot to cold throughout your game.

If you find that your crush isn’t responding well to being ignored, it may be a sign that you need to change your flirting technique.

First try to be hotter than you are cool. Show your crush more affection than brushing them off. With that bit of security, they can keep their interest in the game.

If you feel like they are about to stalk you, take this as a sign that this may not be the right plan for you.

Also check out: 7 Things Highly Intuitive People Do Differently.

9. Show interest but don’t be needy

Some people love a partner who is an open book about their feelings. They love someone who has expressed their needs and desires.

Others find it overwhelming, especially early in the relationship.

Even if you ignore your crush, you still want to lay a foundation for a healthy future relationship.

Studies show that couples who communicate are happier and more positive about each other. Show interest in your crush by asking open-ended questions that encourage dialogue.

Just be careful not to be too needy when you talk to them. You don’t want to seem clingy or overly eager to be around her.

10. Plan for an amazing payout

When you learn to ignore someone you love, it’s important to imagine the payoff at the end.

It might seem like a struggle at times to deny what you want most — love — but it will be worth it when you embrace the person you want most.

You don’t have to play games once you’re in a committed relationship with your crush. By then, your relationship will be exciting enough on its own to keep her interested.

Meanwhile, if ignoring the person you love seems difficult, remember that you are doing this to bring excitement and passion into your life.

The payout may even set the stage for an amazing future with your crush.

The dangers of ignoring someone

Learning how to ignore someone you love seems like the best way to pique their interest, but chances are your hot-cold plan will backfire.

Your love interest might mistake your play for their attention as some version of the dreaded silent treatment.

The silent treatment, also known as stonewalling, is when a person in a relationship begins to ignore their partner. They refuse to speak or acknowledge each other’s presence.

Stonewalling can also be done through evasive maneuvers, e.g. B. by pretending to be busy or physically turning away from your spouse.

dr In his research, A Theory of Marital Dissolution and Stability, John Gottman referred to Stonewalling as one of the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” of relationships.

Feeling ignored can cause your partner to respond in one of two ways:

They will think you don’t like them. If your crush isn’t playing games, he may take your silence as a sign that you’re not interested in him.

They will stop liking you. Ignoring someone can come across as rude, petty, and emotionally draining to your spouse. If you play with her feelings for too long without letting up, she may lose interest in the relationship and end the relationship.

Ignoring your girlfriend or boyfriend can be a sexy game that ends up showering you both with attention, but it can also damage your relationship.

You know your partner best. If they don’t seem like the kind of person who would respond positively to the psychology of ignoring someone, it’s best to choose a different way of showing your affection.

Conclusion

Learning to ignore someone you love is an art.

Why ignore someone? Done right, your lovemaking will interest the object of your affection more than ever.

Ignoring someone you love can be done in just a few simple steps.

Don’t be too eager to respond to their messages and calls. This will make her even more excited to talk to you.

stand firm. Ignoring your girlfriend or boyfriend can be hard, especially when you just want to shower them with love and attention, but it will all pay off in the end.

Be busy, but not so busy that your loved one loses interest. You should give them just enough attention to keep them interested in you.

If you’ve ever had to deal with being ignored by someone you love, you know it’s not always a great feeling.

When someone ignores you on purpose, it can make the person on the receiving end feel like their feelings don’t matter.

Follow your gut feeling. If you feel like this method of flirting isn’t working well with your partner, let it go. Don’t risk hurting your loved one’s feelings because of the psychology of ignoring someone.

Ignoring someone you’re attracted to can have great results when done right. Just remember to appreciate your spouse once you have their attention. A healthy relationship is about communication, love and trust – you can’t ignore them forever.

These are just too cute. Send the heartfelt texts now to get the love flowing.

1. “Hey beautiful. I hope today is even better than yesterday.

2. “I was just thinking about how wonderful you are. I thought you should know.”

3. “God, your laugh is incredible.”

4. “You are everything to me.”

5. “I’m counting down the minutes until I see you.”

6. “I’m so in love with you.”

7. “I can’t stop thinking about how insanely beautiful you are.”

8. “I’m so excited to experience life with you.”

9. “You are my favorite person on the planet.”

10. “You make me so happy.”

11. “I love who you are.”

12. “You are so amazing.”

13. “I’m incredibly lucky to know you.”

14. “You make me feel like I’m understood. Many Thanks.”

15. “I can’t imagine ever waking up without you.”

16. “I really never thought I would feel this way about someone. But then you came. You made me believe in soulmates.”

17. “Sometimes I look at you and I can’t believe you’re with me. What have I done to deserve you?”

18. “Even when things get tough, I will always fight for you.”

19. “You’re the only thing in my life that makes perfect sense.”

The power of a simple compliment is one of the most underrated acts of kindness anyone can do. A thoughtful compliment can turn someone’s hard day at work into a happy one, can make a child smile after they’ve been bullied, or even give someone the confidence boost they needed to overcome their struggles. They are easy and free. And you know, studies show that receiving a compliment has the same positive effects as receiving cash.

A list of compliments that make someone smile.

You’re that “nothing” when people ask me what I’m thinking about. You look great today. You’re a smart cookie. I bet you make babies smile. You have impeccable manners. I like your style. You have the best laugh. I appreciate you. You are the most perfect you there is. Our system of inside jokes is so advanced that only you and I will understand. And I like it. You are strong. Your perspective is refreshing. you are a great friend You light up the room. You deserve a hug now. You should be proud of yourself. You are more helpful than you think. You have a great sense of humor. You have all the right moves! Is that your picture next to “charming” in the dictionary? Your kindness is a balm for all who meet her. You’re all of that and an oversized bag of chips. On a scale of 1 to 10 you are an 11. You are brave. You are even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside. You have the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Apart from the food. You are my favourite. If cartoon bluebirds were real, a bunch of them would be sitting on your shoulders singing right now. You make a difference. You are like sunshine on a rainy day. You bring out the best in other people. Her ability to pull off random facts at just the right time is impressive. You are a great listener. How come you always look good, even in sweatpants? Everything would be better if more people were like you! I bet you sweat glitter. You were cool long before hipsters were cool. This color suits you perfectly. Hanging out with you is always a great thing. You always know – and say – exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it. you smell really good You may dance like nobody is watching, but everyone is watching because you are a great dancer! Being near you makes everything better! When you say, “That’s what I wanted to do,” I believe you completely. When you’re not afraid to be yourself, you’re at your most incredible. Colors appear brighter when you’re close. You’re more fun than a ball pit full of candy. (And seriously, what could be more fun than that?) What you don’t like about yourself is what makes you so interesting. You’re wonderful. Every day is just BLAH when I don’t actually see you! (Great – you’ve completed half of the list. You’re great!) Jokes are funnier when you tell them. You’re better than a three-scoop ice cream cone. With sprinkles. Your belly button is kind of adorable. Your hair looks stunning. You are unique! you are inspirational If you were a box of crayons you would be the giant brand with the built in sharpener. You should be thanked more often. So thank you!! Our community is better because you’re in it. Someone is going through something tough because you have their back. You have the best ideas. You always know how to find that silver lining. Everyone gets knocked down sometimes, but you always get up and keep going. You are a candle in the dark. You are a great example for others. Being around you is like a happy little vacation. You always know what to say. You’re always learning new things and trying to improve, which is great. If someone based an internet meme on you, it would have perfect grammar. You could survive a zombie apocalypse. You’re more fun than bubble wrap. If you make a mistake, you fix it. who raised you You deserve a medal for a job well done. You are great at figuring things out. your voice is great The people you love are lucky to have you in their life. You are like a breath of fresh air. You’re beautiful – and that’s also the least interesting thing about you. you are so thoughtful Your creative potential seems limitless. You are the coolest person I know. And I consider myself friends like all celebrities. . . . You’re irresistible when you blush. Actions speak louder than words and yours tells an incredible story. Somehow you make time stop and fly at the same time. When you decide on something, nothing stands in your way. You really seem to know who you are. Any team would be lucky to have you on board. I bet you got voted “most likely to keep being great” in high school. I bet you solve the crossword in ink. Babies and small animals probably love you. If you were a scented candle, you would call it Perfectly Imperfect (and it would smell like summer). There’s ordinary and then there’s you. You are someone’s reason to smile. You are even better than a unicorn because you are real. How do you manage to always be so funny and make everyone laugh? You have a good head on your shoulders. Has anyone ever told you that you have great posture? The way you appreciate your loved ones is amazing. You really are something special. You are a gift to the people around you.

Go out and compliment someone today. make her smile Make her day.

Close your eyes for three seconds, Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo at the beginning of our conversation. You might want to do the same at home, on the train, or wherever you are. Now think about the person you love most in the world. Have you? Remember the last time you made her laugh. One two three. “Did that put a smile on your face?” asks Cacioppo, a neuroscientist at the University of Chicago who specializes in the effects of love on the brain and author of the new book Wired for Love.

It did. “It works all the time,” she continues. “It’s because of this fantastic wiring that we have in our brain that activates the love network but also the mirror neuron system. This is the neurosystem that is activated when you move, but also when you anticipate or think about the actions or emotions of others. So when you imagine someone smiling, it’s like activating your own smile as well.”

dr Cacioppo suggests the exercise could be useful for astronauts who can spend months away from loved ones on a space station. For example, it could also come in handy during a global pandemic that has left us homebound for nearly two years. But the memory game has a personal resonance for Cacioppo, who is 47 and has a big smile and rolling waves of platinum blonde hair. In March 2018 her partner Dr. John Cacioppo, a social neuroscientist and pioneer of loneliness research, unexpectedly at the age of 66.

Their relationship had been an unlikely one in some ways: not least because it brought together two experts known in the media as Dr. love and dr loneliness. When they met at a neuroscience research symposium in Shanghai in January 2011, she was in her mid-30s and he was in his late 50s; both insisted they were not looking for a partner. But in less than a year, they were married and inseparable. They worked inches apart at a desk and shared an office at the University of Chicago with “The Cacioppos” at the door. They came from opposite ends of the spectrum in their research, but both passionately believed that the human need for social connection is just as important to a person’s well-being as clean water, nutritious food, or exercise.

Both passionately believed that the human need for social connection is essential to a person’s well-being

So when Stephanie Cacioppo closes her eyes, she sees John. “Love is a biological necessity. We can’t live without them,” she says. “And that’s hard to say for someone who has lost their best friend, their soulmate and the love of their life. But I realized that love doesn’t have to be with the person who is physically here with you. As we mentioned with the astronaut, we can be in love with someone even if they live far away from you. Or even if they died; We lost so many people in our lives during Covid and I think a lot of people can relate to that.

“A key to keeping John’s love alive was actually recognizing that he was gone and facing the pain that he wasn’t physically there,” Cacioppo continues. “And when I let go, when I really faced that pain, I saw it all around me. In different ways I could feel his love and still really feel his love everywhere. That was beautiful for me and I hope it can inspire people to feel connected and not lonely.”

Wired for Love: a Neuroscientist’s Journey Through Romance, Loss and the Essence of Human Connection is not at all the book Cacioppo expected to write. She has spent her career proving that love is a worthy subject of scientific study (she received strong opposition to the idea from other researchers, who considered it a primitive impulse, almost an addiction). Her work was evidence-based: she used electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to track electrical signals generated by the brain and functional MRI scanning techniques to differentiate between love and lust. Understanding love was about science, not stories or, thank God, poetry.

It was an important time for a thorough analysis of love, Cacioppo felt. Based on several parameters, people seem to be experiencing less love and more loneliness than ever before. Marriage rates for opposite-sex couples in the UK have steadily declined since the 1970s. In 2018, the Office for National Statistics reported that they were the lowest on record. Despite the proliferation of dating apps, we seem to be having less sex than ever. In 2018, nearly a quarter of Americans — another record — said they had not had a sexual encounter in the previous year. Factors thought to be contributing to this “sex drought” include smartphones, the gig economy, open plan offices (perhaps counterintuitively), and more people living in cities.

A key to keeping John’s love alive was actually realizing that he was gone

But when Cacioppo came to work on her serious science book, details of her own relationship with John kept surfacing. As she wrote them down, she began to realize that she hadn’t even told her closest friends most of what had happened in their rollercoaster seven-year relationship. “Sharing this story was really excruciating,” she says, “because it’s really against my nature. I’m a shy and withdrawn person, but I felt like overcoming my shyness and sharing my story and the science behind my story with readers was something of a mission for me. The hope is that it will help people not only appreciate the beauty and nature of human relationships more, but perhaps also find love and keep love in their own lives.”

The strange truth is that romantic love for Dr. Love has been elusive for most of her life. Growing up on the outskirts of Chambéry in the French Alps, Stephanie Ortigue was the only child of passionate Franco-Italian parents who set a frighteningly high bar for what a relationship should look and feel like. In order not to feel like a gooseberry, she threw herself first in tennis, and then in science.

“I didn’t understand why I was born an only child,” says Cacioppo, who now lives in a house near an Oregon forest with her dog, a Shar-Pei named Bacio. “I thought that was my fate precisely because of this: I was born alone, I will die alone. Typically romantic, French dramatic. And on top of that, my dear Italian grandmother told me to dress nicely every day if it was the last day of our lives. So my attitude was: I live as if I would die tomorrow and I enjoy life as if I would live forever.

“On top of that, I had my parents who showed that beautiful, perfect relationship that, frankly, seems unattainable. But it was inspiring and I love a challenge. So I’ll take impossible for the answer, and I always thought that maybe one day…”

Cacioppo had no serious friends as a teenager or in college, and in her twenties she threw herself into her research, first at the University Hospital of Geneva and then at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. One of her early findings was that romantic love seemed to activate 12 specific brain regions. Some of these didn’t come as much of a surprise: Cacioppo expected it to fuel the so-called “emotional” brain and dopamine-hungry “reward system.” Unexpectedly, unlike friendship or motherly love, passionate love also triggered some of the most refined, higher-order regions of the brain. One in particular: the angular gyrus.

I’ll take impossible for the answer, and I always thought that maybe one day…

The angular gyrus, hidden behind the ear, is a relatively recent development in our evolutionary history (only apes and humans have it). It is generally associated with abstract thinking and language; Photographs of Einstein’s brain have shown that this area was unusually large. For Cacioppo, the discovery was evidence that “love plays a more complex role in the brain than anyone could reasonably have guessed.” Her research also showed that while we might believe that the way we experienced love was unique, what happened on a biological level was pretty much identical for all of us. “Regardless of where you were born, whether you were gay or straight, male, female or transgender, if a person – or people – were meaningful to you, they can illuminate that network in the same essential way,” Cacioppo writes in Wired for love.

It was groundbreaking work, but for Cacioppo personally, love remained a theoretical concept. That changed in 2011 at the Shanghai conference. She’s in no doubt that “love at first sight” exists, and there’s scientific research to back it up: direct eye contact has been shown to stimulate activity in that core area of ​​love, the angular gyrus. “I felt really fulfilled at the time, in a way,” Cacioppo recalls. “And I really thought I was happy until I met my husband who really proved me wrong! I was happier with him than ever.”

In the beginning, John Cacioppo, who had been married twice before, was the more cautious of the two. After first meeting him in Chicago and her in Geneva, it was Stephanie who sent the follow-up message. “I’ve always been a fiercely independent woman, but yes, I sent that email,” she says. “And I’m really glad I did that. Because his prefrontal cortex — what I call “the parents of the brain” — was more dominant than his intuition, or the part of his mind that felt like his heart. So I don’t think he would have ever sent an email.”

The Cacioppos’ relationship developed quickly, and in many ways they felt they had the blessing of science. Stephanie’s research suggested that there are significant mental and physical benefits of being in love: instead of being distracted, people in love can benefit from the burst of activity in their angular gyrus and be more creative and motivated. Likewise, data from one of John’s studies found that chronic loneliness increases the likelihood of early death by 20%. This had about the same impact as obesity – “although obesity doesn’t make you as miserable as loneliness,” John Cacioppo told the Observer in 2016.

Love played a more complex role in the brain than anyone could reasonably have guessed

“We joked that Dr. loneliness dr Love, but the title didn’t really play into our relationship,” she says. “But our science was really part of our lives: we tried to apply our science to everyday life to make sure that Dr. love and dr Loneliness have that lasting love and will be happy forever.”

Hers wasn’t a straightforward pairing. In 2015, John was diagnosed with a rare form of salivary gland cancer; He underwent aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment and was tube-fed for months. But he recovered well enough to return to teaching full-time. His appetite returned and he rebuilt his depleted physique with daily workouts. Eventually he was told by doctors that he had “turned another corner” but soon after began coughing violently. The cancer had spread to his lungs.

In Wired for Love, Cacioppo deals bluntly with the impact her husband’s death had on her: she was depressed, unsure if “a meaningful life” was still possible. Today she is still clearly raw, but defiant. “When you go through all those emotions like I did, you feel more like the passenger of your life than the driver of your life,” she says. “And that’s really disturbing in a way, because you really don’t know what’s happening.

“But I am living proof of my science; Partly thanks to her, I survived,” Cacioppo continues. “So I want to share it with readers; I want to share this experience and all the tricks and exercises of the mind. And help them understand how the brain works so they can regain control of their own brain and feel like they are in charge of their emotions instead of being the victim of their emotions.”

The first phase of recovery for Cacioppo was exercise. She ran six miles every day (a 20-minute walk every day also helps) and found that she was happiest when she was helping others. “Losing my husband was a huge mental chill,” she says. “I really understood what’s important in life – and that’s not me. I used to be an only child, always spoiled and the center of attention, at least for my Italian grandmother. But now I see that there is something bigger than me and it makes me very humbled.”

One of the great challenges facing our society, says Cacioppo, is combating loneliness. It’s an insidious problem, but there are strategies that can help. “The worst thing you can do to a lonely person is try to help them,” she notes on Wired for Love. “If you know someone who is lonely, ask them to help you. Being shown respect, being trusted, understanding your importance—all of these things can give a lonely person a sense of worth and belonging.”

Even the simple exercise we started the article with can reduce feelings of isolation. “Understanding that our brain is our best friend,” says Cacioppo, “that we can truly connect with others just with the power of our mind, by imagining them right now, that will also help people feel less lonely.”

What’s next for Cacioppo personally and professionally, she’s unsure. “I’ll talk to my dog ​​and see what she thinks about it,” she says with a giggle. But then she gets more serious. “If there’s a take-home message from my story, it’s not from me, it’s from Maya Angelou, who wrote beautifully, ‘Have courage enough to trust love again and again.'”

Wired for Love by Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo is published by Little, Brown for £20 or buy a copy from guardianbookshop.com for £17.40

Some people love spending time with themselves while for others it is the most terrifying task. They don’t like every moment they have to spend alone at home and often look for ways to avoid such situations. This problem is more common in extroverts compared to introverts. Extroverts are very social and love to be around people. For them, living alone is the most challenging task of all. Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. Regardless of what you think about being alone, it’s actually a healthy practice. It’s an opportunity to get to know yourself better, improve your sanity and build a good relationship with yourself. Here we tell you 7 ways to be happy alone. Most people hate being alone because they don’t know what to do in their free time. The best way to pass your time is by taking up a new activity or hobby. Whether reading, painting or dancing. Make time for things you love and enjoy. This will help you connect better with yourself. One of the reasons for dissatisfaction is comparison. Following your friends and family members on social media and comparing your life to theirs will only lead to disappointment. You have to remember that everyone is different and faces different battles. Posting happy pictures on social media doesn’t mean they’re actually happy. Try not to measure your happiness by them. Social media has proven to be a blessing these days. It has actually made the world smaller where you can connect with people sitting on the other continent with just one click. However, this also leads to anxiety and stress in people. If you intend to stay happy and spend some quality time with yourself, take a break from social media from time to time. As we juggle our busy lives, we rarely find time for ourselves. Making time for ourselves and being pampered can help to relax and rejuvenate. Treat yourself to a spa session or a hearty breakfast at your favorite restaurant. Taking breaks from your schedule from time to time is one of the best ways to stay happy. We often underestimate the importance of regular exercise, but it is one of the important activities that will help you stay both happy and healthy. Exercise helps release endorphins, neurotransmitters in your brain that can make you happier. Even if you don’t engage in a formal exercise routine, staying physically active throughout the day can help you gain confidence. This may sound very typical, but spending some time with nature is one of the best ways to stay happy. Whether you prefer a walk in the park or a long bike ride, any activity that brings you closer to nature will do you good. Spending some time in nature helps improve symptoms of depression and lower blood pressure. Studies suggest that expressing gratitude can increase happiness and hope. Take some time to create a list of things that you truly appreciate and are grateful for in your life. Whenever you feel down, take a look at the list and remind yourself of everything you have.

This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-year postgraduate certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 389,477 times.

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If you don’t have friends, don’t worry because you can still be happy by focusing on yourself and staying engaged with your goals. To learn how to be happy with yourself, realize that your worth is not tied to how others see you. You should also take time to validate and nurture yourself. For example, if you’re used to your friends helping you make big decisions, try making a decision yourself by weighing the pros and cons, and then reward yourself with a nice activity, like a walk or a Massage. Whenever you have time to yourself, try to hone your skills at a hobby you enjoy, like playing the piano or writing a short story, or consider learning something new. Read on for more tips from our co-author, such as: B. How to improve your relationship with your family and those around you.

Famous People Quotes The greatest glory in life is not in never falling, but in rising up every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela The way to start is to stop talking and start acting. -Walt Disney Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be held captive by dogma—that is, living with the results of other people’s thinking. -Steve Jobs If life were predictable, it would cease to be life and be tasteless. -Eleanor Roosevelt If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you will never have enough. -Oprah Winfrey If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you’ll fail before everyone else’s success. -James Cameron Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. -John Lennon

The insights and experiences of others are a valuable source of inspiration and motivation. And learning from successful leaders and entrepreneurs is a fantastic way to grow.

Life throws curveballs. And while there can be roadblocks to success, it’s imperative to keep moving forward, knowing that mistakes are made and failure is inevitable.

Even the most successful people in the world have had their fair share of setbacks and hardships. Much can be learned from their challenges and their success. Luckily, they’ve encapsulated their wisdom into powerful quotes that you can save for future reference.

So let’s take a look at some of these quotes to energize and inspire at work and in our personal lives. (I created the quote images with Canva.)

Best Quotes of All Time Spread love wherever you go. Never let anyone come to you without leaving happier. -Mother Teresa When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on. -Franklin D. Roosevelt Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. -Margaret Mead Don’t judge each day by the crops you reap, but by the seeds you sow. -Robert Louis Stevenson The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I’ll learn. -Benjamin Franklin The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they have to be felt with the heart. -Helen Keller In our darkest moments, we need to focus on seeing the light. -Aristotle Whoever is happy will also make others happy. -Anne Frank Don’t go where the path leads, go where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. “Spread love wherever you go. Never let anyone come to you without leaving happier.” -Mother Teresa

2. “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

3. “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” -Margaret Met

4. “Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

5. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

6. “Tell me and I’ll forget. Teach me and I’ll remember. Get me involved and I’ll learn.” -Benjamin Franklin

7. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” -Helen Keller

8. “In our darkest moments, we must focus on seeing the light.” -Aristotle

9. “Whoever is happy will also make others happy.” -Anne Frank

10. “Do not go where the path leads, but go where there is no path and leave a mark.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Famous Quotes About Life You will face many defeats in life but never allow yourself to be defeated. -Maya Angelou The greatest glory in life is not in never falling, but in rising up every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela In the end, the years in your life don’t count. It’s life in your years. -Abraham Lincoln Never let the fear of being hit stop you from playing the game. -Babe Ruth Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. -Helen Keller Many of life’s failures are people who didn’t realize how close they came to success when they gave up. -Thomas A. Edison You’ve got brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction. -DR. seuss

11. “If life were predictable, it would cease to be life and be tasteless.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

12. “In the end, the years in your life don’t count. It’s life in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln

13. “Life is a series of lessons that must be lived in order to be understood.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

14. “You will suffer many defeats in life, but never allow yourself to be defeated.” -Maya Angelou

15. “Never let the fear of a punch stop you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

16. “Life is never fair, and perhaps it’s a good thing for most of us that it’s not.” -Oscar Wilde

17. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins

18. “We cannot do great things in this life. We can only do small things with great love.” -Mother Teresa

19. “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” -Albert Einstein

20. “The purpose of our life is to be happy.” -Dalai Lama

Free Resource 300+ Quotes & Image Templates A compilation of famous quotes and visual representation templates.

21. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” -John Lennon

22. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” -Mae West

23. “Live in the sun, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

24. “Confidently walk in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you have in mind.” -Henry David Thoreau

25. “The greatest glory in life is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

26. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” -Confucius

27. “May you live all the days of your life.” -Jonathan Swift

28. “Life itself is the most beautiful fairy tale.” -Hans Christian Andersen

29. “Don’t let that stop you from making a living.” – John Holz

30. “Life is ours to spend, not save.” -D H Lawrence

Inspirational Quotes About Life Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about. – Marilyn Monroe Life is one long lesson in humility. -James M. Barrie In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on. -Robert Frost Love the life you live. Live the life you love. -Bob Marley Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. -Helen Keller You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction. -DR. Seuss Life is made of so many pieces welded together. -Charles Dickens Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be held captive by dogma – which means living with the results of other people’s thinking. -Steve Jobs Life tries things to see if they work. -Ray Bradbury Many of life’s failures are people who didn’t realize how close they came to success when they gave up. -Thomas A Edison

31. “Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about.” -Marilyn Monroe

32. “Life is a long lesson in humility.” -James M. Barrie

33. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” -Robert Frost

34. “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” -Bob Marley

35. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” -Helen Keller

36. “You’ve got brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” -DR. seuss

37. “Life is made of so many welded together separations.” -Charles Dickens

38. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be held captive by dogma – which means living with the results of other people’s thinking.” -Steve Jobs

39. “Life tries things to see if they work.” – Ray Bradbury

40. “Many of the failures in life are people who didn’t realize how close they came to success when they gave up.” -Thomas A. Edison

Road to Success Quotes Success is not final; Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to keep going that counts. -Winston S. Churchill Success usually comes to those too busy to seek it. -Henry David Thoreau The way to start is to stop talking and start acting. -Walt Disney If you look closely, most overnight successes have taken a long time. -Steve Jobs The secret of success lies in doing the ordinary exceptionally well. -John D. Rockefeller Jr. I find that the harder I work, the happier I seem to be. -Thomas Jefferson The real test isn’t whether you avoid this mistake, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden you, shame you, or learn from it; if you decide to persevere. -Barack Obama

41. “The secret of success is doing the ordinary exceptionally well.” -John D. Rockefeller Jr.

42. “I find that the harder I work, the luckier I seem to be.” -Thomas Jefferson

43. “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to keep going that counts.” – Winston S Churchill

44. “The way to start is to stop talking and start acting.” -Walt Disney

45. “Don’t let criticism distract you. Remember – the only taste of success some people get is biting off you.” -Zig Ziglar

46. ​​“Success usually comes from those who are too busy to look for it.” —Henry David Thoreau

47. “I never dreamed of success, I worked for it.” -Estee Lauder

48. “Success seems to come with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t give up.” – Konrad Hilton

49. “There are no secrets to success. It’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from mistakes.” – Colin Powell

50. “The real test isn’t whether you avoid that failure because you won’t. It is whether you harden it, or let yourself be shamed in inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.” -Barack Obama

51. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D Roosevelt

52. “It is better to fail at originality than to succeed at imitation.” – Herman Melville

53. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. – Jim Rohn

54. “The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” -Colin R. Davis

55. “I failed on my path to success.” -Thomas Edison

56. “If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail before everyone else’s success.” -James Cameron

57. “If you look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.” -Steve Jobs

58. “A successful man is one who can lay a solid foundation with the stones others have thrown at him.” -David Brinkley

59. “Things go best for those who make the best of how things go.” – John Holz

60. “Don’t try to be a successful man. Become a man of value.” -Albert Einstein

61. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to achieve the great.” -John D Rockefeller

62. “Always remember that your own determination to succeed is more important than anything else.” -Abraham Lincoln

63. “Success is going from failure to failure without enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill

64. “You know you’re on your way to success if you did your job and didn’t get paid for it.” – Oprah Winfrey

65. “If you want to achieve excellence, you can achieve it today. Stop doing less than excellent work from this second.” -Thomas J. Watson

66. “If you really want something, don’t wait for it – teach yourself to be impatient.” -Gurbaksh Chahal

67. “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” -Vidal Sassoon

68. “If you are not willing to risk the usual, you must settle for the usual.” – Jim Rohn

69. “Above all else, preparation is the key to success.” -Alexander Graham Bell

70. “People who are successful have momentum. The more successful they are, the more they want to be successful and the more they find a path to success. When someone fails, there is a tendency to get caught in a downward spiral that can even become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” – Tony Robbins

Most Famous Quotes You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. -Wayne Gretzky Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. -Henry Ford I’ve learned over the years that once you’ve made a decision, anxiety diminishes. -Rosa Parks I can’t change the world by myself, but I can throw a stone over the water to create many waves. -Mother Teresa Nothing is impossible, the word itself says: “I am possible!” -Audrey Hepburn The question is not who will let me; it’s who will stop me. -Ayn Rand The only person you are meant to be is the person you choose to be. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

71. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt

72. “The only person you are meant to become is the person you choose to be.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

73. “I’ve learned that people forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

74. “The question is not who will let me, but who will stop me.” -Ayn Rand

75. “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” -Vince Lombardi

76. “Whether you think you can or not, you’re right.” -Henry Ford

77. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky

78. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can throw a stone over the water to create many waves.” -Mother Teresa

79. “You become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey

80. “The hardest thing is deciding to act, the rest is just persistence.” -Amelia Earhart

81. “How wonderful it is that no one has to wait a single moment before beginning to make the world a better place.” -Anne Frank

82. “An unexamined life is not worth living.” -Socrates

83. “All you ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair

84. “Dream big and dare to fail.” -Norman Vaughan

85. “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are lost if you don’t try.” -Beverly Sills

86. “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” -Charles Swindoll

87. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says: ‘I am possible!'” – Audrey Hepburn

88. “It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you don’t stop.” -Confucius

89. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the plane takes off against the wind, not with it.” -Henry Ford

90. “Too many of us don’t live our dreams because we live our fears.” -Les Braun

91. “I’ve learned over the years that making a choice reduces anxiety.” -Rosa Parks

92. “I didn’t fail the test. I only found 100 ways to get it wrong.” -Benjamin Franklin

93. “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask which seat! Just get in.” -Sheryl Sandberg

94. “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an apology.” – Florence Nightingale

95. “I’d rather die of passion than of boredom.” -Vincent van Gogh

96. “If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you will never have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

97. “Dreaming is a form of planning, after all.” -Gloria Steinem

98. “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can attain.” -Napoleonberg

99. “First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; an aim, a goal. Second, have the means necessary to attain your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, establish all your means this goal.” -Aristotle

100. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed in the things you haven’t done than in the things you have done. So cast off the bow lines, sail from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.” -Mark Twain

Be inspired by the world’s strongest leaders

Whether you strive for success as an entrepreneur, in sales, or in everyday life, the experiences and lessons learned by others are valuable resources. Those who constantly learn and grow often find success. Where is your next success?

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for completeness.

As a single person, I can attest to how many times I’ve been asked, “Why aren’t you in a relationship?” and to be honest, I sometimes ask myself that question too. But you see, these kinds of questions shouldn’t establish your worth and happiness. While some may find being with someone fulfilling, others just don’t see being with another person.

Whether you’re open to a romantic relationship in the future or never plan to have one, it’s important to focus on living a life that makes you happy. Happiness can vary from person to person, so try to look deeper and find what fulfills your life.

If you are single at the moment, there is no need to worry. Here are 13 ways to live a happy life without a boyfriend.

1. Pursue your passion.

What is it that motivates you? Whether it’s a love of art, pursuing a particular profession or helping others in need, pursue it. When we’re with someone, we often tend to hold back or put aside the things we really want to do and pursue. When you’re passionate about something, you really have the drive and motivation to get things done and keep improving.

2. Never settle for less.

Most of the time we stay in our comfort zone. We’re so afraid to be out there and do more. Remember you are capable of so much more and deserve the best things in life. So get out of your comfort zone. Try your best to live your life to the fullest especially that you are single and can be a more independent person.

3. Celebrate your victories.

Big or small, celebrate these achievements! At the end of the day, you are your very own cheerleader and motivator. Never stop being proud of what you have achieved because you deserve it. You don’t need a friend to celebrate your successes. You can always celebrate with your family and friends.

4. Live in the present.

Having goals and being focused on achieving those things is a good thing, but it’s always important to remember to live in the present. Don’t get caught up in a past relationship or even a soon-to-be relationship where you would lose sight of the things you have now and the simple joys in life.

ALSO READ: 8 tips to let go of the past and move into a better life

5. Spend time with the people around you.

It’s human nature to be social and to be with other people, no matter how introverted we are. Maintaining relationships with your friends and family is very important. Because no matter how tough your life may be, they will be there for you through thick and thin. They don’t have to be so outgoing to enjoy social relationships, what matters is your presence and your interest in talking to them.

6. Meet new people.

Don’t get attached to the person who broke your heart or locked you up, going out and meeting other people is also beneficial. Meeting and building new relationships can help you broaden your perspective and explore things you haven’t experienced before. This can also help you make connections and meet people who have the same interests as you.

7. Travel!

You don’t have to be abroad to go to new places, there are plenty of sights to see even without spending too much. Travel can help you discover new sights, cultures and people. You will begin to appreciate the world around you more. Don’t wait for a friend to experience the beauty of the world.

8. Volunteer for a cause.

Volunteering for a good cause increases your sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Helping those in need is always a good thing, especially when you have the means and skills to help them. Try looking for an organization in your area that has a vision and mission that you also believe in. Find out how you can help and give whatever you can. You might even meet new people who share the same vision and advocacy as you.

9th exercise!

Many people are very happy when they play sports. A healthy lifestyle is essential for us as it influences our overall well-being. Whether you bike, jog, or exercise, try to find an exercise you enjoy. Take your best friends or siblings with you. You don’t need a friend to get fit and healthy!

10. Having some alone time.

Being single gives you plenty of space and time to enjoy your “me” time. Being alone doesn’t have to be sad or lonely. Use this time to relax and unwind. Go to a beach or get a massage.

ALSO READ: 14 ​​Awesome Perks of Being Single

11. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

We sometimes neglect that part when we’re single. You tend to overwork and spend too much time taking care of others when it’s also important to take care of yourself. As much as you give love to others, you should never forget to love yourself.

12. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Everyone has their own pace in life. Some may reach their success faster (or even slower) than yours. It may be tempting to compare yourself to others based on the things you see, but keep a positive attitude. Focus on the things you are doing to become the best version of yourself. Trust the process, it’s not easy, but you will get there. As long as you fight, you still have a chance to achieve your goals and dreams in life.

13. Don’t beat yourself up.

You’re only human, you make mistakes and mess things up, and that’s okay. It may sound cliche, but nobody is perfect. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but you just have to keep going.

Many of us think that having a boyfriend is the only thing that will keep us lastingly happy. But there is so much more out there you can do and experience to make yourself happy without a partner. What matters is that you stay true to yourself and that you should always remember who you are and what you believe in, no matter what is going on in your life.

Recommended online courses for you:

Create a simple daily success routine to transform your life

Introducing The Amazing Routine – Boost Your Happiness, Confidence, Focus, Motivation & Power.

Introducing The Amazing Routine – Boost Your Happiness, Confidence, Focus, Motivation & Power. Life Mastery – Happiness, Health & Success

Practical techniques to successfully master work-life balance, happiness and goal setting; If you feel like things aren’t turning out the way you dreamed, you want to move faster, or you are overwhelmed by stress and worry, then this course will TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.

Recommended books for you:

ALSO READ:

The results of these studies show that times are changing and marriage and children are not the only two factors that can make a woman happy. It’s a woman’s prerogative to choose when, with whom, and at what age she ties the knot, and it’s also okay if she plans to remain single for the rest of her life. As they say, to each his own.

(All images used here are representative)

Assertiveness but he feels like our relationship is falling apart because I’m kind of proud. He feels like he always texts and buys me presents first. In short he always does everything which is kinda selfish of me but I was afraid that if I start giving things back I’ll get clingy which isn’t part of my personality. Thanks to wikiHow, I now know I can make up for it.”

…”

“Well, apart from my beauty, my boyfriend fell in love with me because of my high self-esteem, confidence and sharp mind

Written by: Sandra Bilbray•

When someone you love is suffering, your instinct is to want to take away their pain. Here are ways you can help without giving up your own happiness.

Ask questions, listen, and be present—but don’t try to take on their pain.

You probably know someone who is unhappy or struggling with anxiety or depression. When someone close to you—a spouse, family member, or best friend—is suffering, it can be painful. You want to help, but maybe you don’t know how. Maintaining your happiness can also become a challenge. We turned to the experts for advice on navigating this difficult emotional terrain.

First, determine whether the problem is clinical and requires professional attention, or situational (job loss, divorce, loss of a parent), and whether it is short- or long-term. Under all circumstances, experts advise not to take on the problem with the words “I know how you feel”. Instead, you could say that you cannot fully understand their pain because they are the ones experiencing it. Let a loved one know that you are there for them, that you care, and that you care about them. Offer empathetic words like “I’m sorry you’re suffering.”

If you think your loved one needs professional help:

Realize that you can only offer the support of your presence and keep reassuring them that you are there for them.

Suggest that the person speak to a professional.

Although the situation is painful for you, sometimes people do not want to get better or they cannot be helped. Acceptance may be your only choice.

If the calamity is situational and short-term, you can:

Be there for them and reassure them, and that may be enough. Most people don’t want to be unhappy and will grieve and move on. They will actively try to help themselves by talking, moving, and finding other things to focus on.

Make suggestions that you think might help, or just offer support to help you get through the pain with them.

1. Be present.

If you find the cause is short term or your loved one can be helped, give your time and presence, listen, support and be there. “If it’s a spouse, check carefully,” advises Pat Pearson, M.S.S.W., clinical psychotherapist and author of Stop Self-Sabotage. “I’ve noticed that you haven’t seemed quite yourself lately…did anything happen to upset you?” And then offer words of support: “I love you. I love you.” I’m here and I care. Please tell me.”

Men tend to go within to protect their spouse from the pain in their lives and shut down rather than say, “I hurt myself, or my friend died…or I’m mad at myself about my finances.” , explains Pat. She recommends a “help first” approach. “Only after repeated attempts at listening, release and then announce that you are releasing so they don’t feel abandoned. Tell your spouse that if they open up, you’ll get involved again,” she says.

2. Listen.

If you can facilitate a conversation, let the other person have the floor. “Often depression is an inward-turned anger. Let your loved one get those feelings out, help them let those feelings out, and that will help tremendously,” says Pat.

3. Realize that adversity can lead to positive change.

Suffering, no matter how severe, can lead to growth. Sometimes people have to get to the bottom to get back up.

4. Vent to friends.

It’s difficult to feel powerless in the face of a loved one’s dissatisfaction. “Go about your life and reach out to other friends,” Pat recommends. “Don’t be a martyr. Express your frustration, anger and concern. This expression keeps your feelings flowing.”

5. Set boundaries.

Although your intentions may be noble, emotional involvement is not healthy. “You have to take responsibility for the happiness you can create,” says Pat. “That happiness is within you. They can invite others to be happy, but it’s up to them if they accept. That’s the line between personal responsibility and overdoing it.”

6. Protect yourself.

Realize that ultimately everyone is responsible for their own happiness and no matter how much you love someone, you are never responsible for someone else’s feelings. When you realize that someone you love is unwilling or unable to move on, recognize that the situation may be harmful to you and take steps to protect yourself. You don’t have to make a loved one’s problems your own. Make space for yourself to protect your own sanity and don’t immerse yourself in your loved one’s unhappy feelings.

7. Don’t neglect your own happiness.

Working for your own happiness is not selfish – even if someone you love is unhappy. Your happiness shows others what is possible. Expressing your joy can lead to emotional contagion — where your joy begins to rub off on those around you.

Nobody wants to see someone they love suffer, and we have a natural tendency to want to help. When someone you love isn’t recovering from a loss or a difficult time and it only seems like it’s getting worse, try to keep listening and staying positive while encouraging them to seek professional help.

Allow yourself to be happy and realize that your happiness can encourage others to find their own.

Read more: Combat Anxiety and Depression With These Tools

Read more: Teen Anxiety or Teen Anxiety?

Sandra Bilbray is a contributing editor at Live Happy and CEO and owner of themediaconcierge.net.

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