Rhianna Benson
It's an age-old question that the human race have been endeavouring to answer since the beginning of time: 'What is the key to happiness?'
Whilst a successful investment banker might tell you it's dollar, dollar bills ya'll, a movie star could argue it's global fame.
A mum-of-22 (like Channel 5's Sue Radford) might make the argument that it's welcoming children into this world, whilst an international jet-setter could tell you it's seeing the world.
Apparently, however, there's actually a definitive two-word answer about what is guaranteed to bring us the most joy and satisfaction in life - and to be honest, none of us saw it coming...
Advert
The news comes following the conclusion of an 85 year old study, first conducted by scientists working at Harvard University.
Speaking to Inc.com almost a decade ago, one of the leaders of the investigation, Dr Robert Waldinger, recalled the beginnings of a study that brought 724 individuals together for a longitudinal assessment of what really makes people happy in life.
The Harvard psychologist - who has fronted the important study since all the way back in 2003 - emphasised in 2016 the importance of one thing and one thing only, when it comes to assuring a 'happy and healthy' life.
"The lessons aren't about wealth or fame or working harder and harder," Dr Waldinger famously said.
"The clearest message that we get from this ... study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period."
You may be wondering, however, how to form the strong, stable and mutually-dependant relationships that will keep us smiling until the bitter end, being that they're reportedly so important.
After all, one might argue that it's considerably trickier forming close bonds as adults, compared to being a child.
Thankfully, though, not only did Dr Waldinger reveal the what key to happiness is, but he revealed how to achieve it, using - as we say - two words: 'social fitness'.
His close friend and colleague - clinical psychologist and professor at Bryn Mawr College, Marc Schulz, with whom he has since released a book, titled The Good Life, on the matter - told press in a recent interview: "There are practices that people can do.
"We talk a lot in the book about this idea of 'social fitness,' that we tend to think of our relationships as something that just happens, but oftentimes our relationships wane over time.
"We all have friendships, for example, that we've lost contact with but that were important to us."
When it comes to improving your social fitness, the psychologist pair believe is essential to 'assess where you're doing well, and where you might need help', potentially by auditing your friendships.
Basically, if you keep a note on what acts of friendship you find satisfying to do and to receive, and the areas you'd like to take more care with, you can make much stronger bonds with those around you.
Good to know!