We’ve all heard the saying Happy Wife, Happy Life. But science and research actually shows that it may be more like Happy Friends, Happier You.

Studies show that behavior is influenced three degrees out. Meaning, you are affected by the whims of friends of friends of friends — and similarly, they by you.

Political views, weight gain, smoking and even that very very important thing, happiness, are all influenced by strangers. And having happy friends and relatives appears to be a more effective predictor of happiness than earning more money.

Listen in as I dig deeper into the research on how the happiness of not just our friends, but strangers affects our happiness.

Drink of the Week: The Happy Bastard

Julie Brown:

Sponsor

Happy Friends, Happier You: How Your Friends Happiness Affects Yours