Pat ElliottExpertHERWriterGuideBlogger(reply to Samurai)
Hi Samuri - That's a great question. Many studies have shown that having a good support system is a key ingredient to happiness, as well as a major factor in how well people recover from illness or from a life disruption such as losing a job or going through a divorce. In other words, human beings really need to feel connected with other people.
I happen to be someone who's lived in three countries and in all of the regions of the US. Like you and your husband, I've found some locations to be more comfortable than others. What has been a real help in recent years is being able to use the Internet to at least virtually connect with others, and to also connect in real life. There are so many online groups today, for almost any common area of interest, and that makes it a whole lot easier to find like-minded people and connect with them.
I think you will be interested in a study that found loneliness, like happiness, is contagious. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
found that if you're in a more negative mood, you're more likely to interact with someone else in a more negative way, and that person is more likely to interact in a negative way. Sounds like a never-ending cycle of misery, doesn't it?
I hope you find these articles helpful, and that you'll also share them with your husband. You are each other's support system, no matter where you live, and I hope your recent trip and changes are the start of much better times for both of you.
Take care,
Pat
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Hi Samuri - That's a great question. Many studies have shown that having a good support system is a key ingredient to happiness, as well as a major factor in how well people recover from illness or from a life disruption such as losing a job or going through a divorce. In other words, human beings really need to feel connected with other people.
I happen to be someone who's lived in three countries and in all of the regions of the US. Like you and your husband, I've found some locations to be more comfortable than others. What has been a real help in recent years is being able to use the Internet to at least virtually connect with others, and to also connect in real life. There are so many online groups today, for almost any common area of interest, and that makes it a whole lot easier to find like-minded people and connect with them.
I think you will be interested in a study that found loneliness, like happiness, is contagious. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
found that if you're in a more negative mood, you're more likely to interact with someone else in a more negative way, and that person is more likely to interact in a negative way. Sounds like a never-ending cycle of misery, doesn't it?
You can read more here:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-12-01-loneliness01_ST_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-08-06-apa-loneliness_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-08-05-happiness-apa-money_N.htm
I hope you find these articles helpful, and that you'll also share them with your husband. You are each other's support system, no matter where you live, and I hope your recent trip and changes are the start of much better times for both of you.
December 3, 2009 - 6:32pmTake care,
Pat
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