Robert Waldinger, an American psychiatrist and professor at Harvard, is the fourth director of the largest study on human happiness, which began in 1938. The study followed and studied people for eight decades and revealed that the social and face-to-face component, as opposed to technology, is fundamental for human happiness.
Health and professional success do influence happiness, but nothing is as important as personal relationships. According to Waldinger, everyone should have at least two people they can call in the middle of the night if they are not feeling well or have a problem.
When something stressful happens, our body is put on alert and boils, but it should return to balance once the stress is shared. Lonely and isolated individuals, according to the study, never return to the starting point and are always in a state of struggle, leading to high stress hormone levels.
The study found that everyone needs at least a couple of attachment figures. Lonely people are more prone to various illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Regardless of character, individuals can always enrich their circle of friends by participating in activities they are passionate about.
Waldinger recommends establishing routines with friends, children, or partners to maintain strong relationships. As years go by, it becomes apparent that friendships must be taken care of, and having fixed points of connection helps to prevent relationship deterioration.