There are many habits and behaviors that impact our health and longevity including diet, activity, and sleep quality. But it turns out that there’s one factor that has the biggest influence on our overall happiness and quality of life: our relationships.

Today’s guest, Dr. Robert Waldinger, is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is also the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running longitudinal studies on human happiness, health, and longevity. In the book The Good Life, Dr. Waldinger and his associate director share principles of a fulfilling and meaningful life.

In this interview, you’re going to hear the fascinating science of how our relationships impact our happiness. We’ll discuss what makes a good relationship, how to strengthen existing connections, and tips for cultivating new relationships. This episode is packed with tons of scientifically proven tips to create a happier and longer life through our connections with those around us. Enjoy!

In this episode you’ll discover:

Why the Harvard Study of Adult Development was created.
The difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal research.
How health, happiness, and longevity are connected.
What the number one controller of human happiness is.
How strong relationships can relieve stress.
The connection between loneliness and low-level chronic stress.
What defines a good relationship.
The definition of socioemotional learning.
Why social fitness is a critical component of health.
How to bring a sense of curiosity to your relationships.
Two strategies for healthier communication.
Why using extremes is unhelpful.
The power of having a beginner’s mind.
What the most basic form of love is.
The importance of asking open-ended questions.
What the biggest myth of happiness is.
Healthy strategies for incorporating social media into your relationships.
Three questions to ask yourself about a difficult relationship.
Important components that are missing in electronic communication.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

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