Can Happiness be Bought?

The search for happiness can feel desperate at times, especially during a difficult time in your life. You may feel when depressed or discouraged that splurging on a large purchase may make you feel happy, and it probably will. However, this “happiness” will probably be very short-lived, and you may end up regretting the decision, feeling emptier than before.

Advertisers make their living trying to convince us that purchasing products will improve our lives. However, research has shown that having a lot of money does not necessarily mean that a person will be happy. For example, did you know that most people who win the lottery ultimately regret having won? This may seem impossible to believe, but the reality is that the sudden increase in wealth comes with other problems and seems to harm other life areas, such as a person’s close relationships additionally. At the same time, research has found that those in poverty can face higher levels of mental health problems and dissatisfaction with life. Research has also found that the middle class and upper class tend to be equally happy and that the amount of money that someone has is much less important than how much money the person has compared to others in that community. For example, if you live in a very wealthy neighborhood that is in a very wealthy town, and you have much less money than others but still have more money than the average person in your country, you may be more likely to feel unhappy compared to someone who lives in a less wealthy neighborhood in a less wealthy town and has more much more money than the average person. The reason is probably we tend to compare ourselves to others. When we feel that we do not measure up financially, this may make us feel inadequate. However, just as the actors in commercials smile widely when holding the products being advertised, and celebrities with wealth and fame appear to have constant joy, this does not necessarily reflect reality.

There is probably much more joy that can come from satisfying relationships, accomplishing goals, being physically healthy, and spending time in a career that you enjoy. When employees were asked what would make them happier in a job, many report that receiving recognition for what they are doing well at work is more important than receiving a raise. Taking an inventory of our priorities and recognizing that long-term happiness does not necessarily come from the excitement of making impulsive purchases can help us live more truly happy lives.