Research suggests that few events actually change our level of happiness. A systematic study of 22 people who had won the lottery, found that they returned to their baseline levels of happiness over time and wound up experiencing the same level of happiness as 22 ordinary Joes who had never had their numbers called up.
So, money does not buy happiness? It would seem that neither do unfortunate events necessarily lead to unhappiness. A study quoted in the same book as that which discussed our unmoved millionaires, found that within a few years, paraplegics are only just a little less happy than their able-bodies peers.
Will a puppy make my boyfriend any happier? Despite the findings of the studies cited above, I suspect that it might.
In May of this year Coca-Cola announced the results of their global happiness barometer. In this age of Facebook and Twitter, text messages and blogging, Coca-Cola found that the one thing that could be definitively linked to greater happiness was human contact. Let's face it, we're meant for each other. We're suckers for a good hug.
I agree that human contact and animal contact are not quite the same, but the spirit is similar. I suspect that my boyfriend would take joy from the relationship that one man has with his dog. He wants to walk along the strand with his dog, silent but together as they enjoy the fresh air and exercise. He wants to play and jump around with his dog. Most of all, he wants to come home from work to see in the face of his furry friend, the pure, animal excitement that his arrival has induced.
Personal relationships, even when with animals, make us feel valued and valuable. It's great to be valued but it's even better to be valuable.
Several years ago, a British study attempted to increase the happiness quotient of one English town. A key recommendations made by the leaders of the study was that we should all keep plants. Apparently, feeling necessary is one of the key elements in the maintainence of a positive outlook. The logic is that if someone or something needs you (even if this something is a small and dropping fern), your life will be invested with the special shred of meaning that is necessary to warm the heart.
So, if I gave my boyfriend a puppy he might develop a bond with the animal and also, feel that that animal needs him, his care and his love. This would probably make him feel even more satisfied with his lot in life than he currently does.
Sadly, we live in a one-bedroom apartment and I suspect that the puppy's happiness would dive very quickly after realising that the entire area around which he could roam would fit into most people's front hall. Until we have space and time to look after this little creature, I would not feel right risking its wellbeing by keeping it in our cramped home. Next year looks more likely for pet ownership, but tomorrow I'm going to have to deal with a very disappointed man-child.
Thankfully, research suggests that he will quickly get over this and his happiness will soon return to normal levels.
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