Welcome back to another episode of The Relative Perspective.

The research I have done to date (in season 3) shows that relationships are the key to happiness; the quantity and quality of those relationships is critical to our wellbeing.  

However, my relationships (with friends) are changing for various reasons as we all move through life.  I’m not in a romantic relationship and I don’t feel like I have a tribe.  To that end, I worry that happiness is out of my reach.  In other words, how can I be happy if I don’t have relationships?

That’s where Paul Dolan’s book comes in; Happiness by Design.  Dolan sets out the school of thought that in order to be happy, we must do things that bring us pleasure and purpose and allocate our time and attention to those activities.  

I also share Dr Arlene Unger’s book ‘Happy’ in this episode because compliment’s Dolan’s work in so many ways. I especially enjoyed her practical tips to train your mind towards a more joyful outlook on life. As such, I end this episode by sharing with you three of her fifty happiness habits to help you build happiness into your day and your life.