Dan Gilbert asks, Why are we happy?

Just stress less when things don't work out. Different outcomes (to those expected) are less different than you brain makes them out to be.

Most people have a tendency for instance, to grieve for longer than 3 months, after a tragic incident, but Dan's colleagues' research shows that the brain's general level of happiness (in almost all cases) returns to normal within a maximum of 3 months. Society and media has a tendency to exacerbate the duration of grieving necessary, and we unfortunately have a tendency to believe in social and behavioural norms portrayed on television and in popular culture.

Okay, I got it, just stree less,

thanks VeeDDzz.

sorry that should stress less.

On that note I have been writing letters saying "stress less when things dont work out" when I am unable to pay bills right away.

I hope to hear from them soon. Thanks guys

just skimmed the thread, in regards to smiling instead of not smiling, studies show it reduces stress and enhances your mood. Whether you believe that or not is up to you, but its true.

Exactly thats what am hoping for, I spent all day walking around with a fake smile and my face really hurts I assumed that was happiness.

I hope the electric company understands not to stress out about me not paying and just to smile.

I will let you know what they say when the respond. Again thanks guys you really helped me out.

Because Dan says - stop paying your electric bill.

If you truly fail to see the applications of this data (as demonstrated in his many examples), then I feel sorry for you and will gladly help, but if you're being wilfully confrontational for no reason, then I won't entertain this any further.

What happens in your life when this bill isn't paid on time?

Yes I do understand what Dan is saying, he is saying in those examples he give that those people are "better off" for what had happened to them.

Thats exactly the type of spin I want to put to the electric company. I want to be able to say to them that they are "better off" when I dont pay up.

Really its that simple! I know Dan is not saying "stop paying your electric bills", (double negative?) but what he is saying (in an indirect way) is that the electric company can be "better off" from me not paying, if you cant see that then I dont know what to say.

We will find out soon enough. I usually pay my bills on time but with this new idea I can make people "better off" by not paying. In other words I'm putting what Mr Dan Gilbert says into practice.

Think of it as "camping" rather than homeless.

It won't make you not homeless, but it is a bit less degrading.

Huh? Are you saying the electric company will still want me to pay? You mean smiling isn't enough for them?

Come on guys help me understand! why would the electric company not accept me saying stress less and smile more but yet its fine for you guys to tell me?

What's the difference?

Think carefully and make a wish.

They will you must just be persistant, dont give in to their demands and keep telling them to smile.

It also works on judges.