Top Traits Happy People Have in Common

Researchers eavesdropped on a diverse group of people to find out what makes them happy. Deep, meaningful conversations came out on top, as did spending less time alone.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• A 2010 study found a strong link between less small talk and more substantive conversations and increased happiness

• A follow-up study revealed moderate associations between life satisfaction and the amount of alone time, conversation time and substantive conversations among the subjects

• Meaningful conversation increased life satisfaction …