17 Happiness Truths From Love & Relationship Experts

Everyone wants to live a happy life but not everyone knows how (and isn’t it different for everyone?). To cut through the confusion, we asked our Your Tango experts to share their insights and wisdom about what it takes to find and sustain deep joy in life.

From how differently the sexes handle unhappiness to which age demographic is kicking up their heels and smiling the most (didn’t see this one coming) -- the results of our survey are somewhat surprising.

But the most import truth that emerged is that 95% of experts agree that happiness is a choice!

This is fantastic news because if means happiness is within your control. The "bad news" is that you have to love yourself enough to put in the effort and reach for it. As the Dalai Lama says "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."

Want a peek at the rest of our Happiness Survey results? We’d love to hear what you think. Are people happier now than they were 50 years ago? Are celebrities happier than regular people? Does seeking joy make you selfish?

Find out these answers and more as we share the 17 Secrets of Happiness revealed in the 2014 YourTango Expert Happiness Survey.

There’s plenty to go around.

89% of experts believe that the pursuit of happiness does not make people selfish.

We all just want to be happy

45% of experts said that the pursuit of a happier life drives 91-100% of their clients to hire them.

Money can’t buy happiness

Only 9% of Experts feel that a successful career is one of the chief causes of happiness.

Battle of the Sexes?

65% of Experts agree that men and women are about equally happy overall.

Keep your friends close

47% of experts said that meaningful friendships as one of the chief causes of happiness.

Love yourself

81% of experts selected having a good relationship with yourself as one of the most important factors in a happy life.

Reach out to others

87% said that feeling isolated or alone in the world is one of the primary causes of unhappiness.

In the end, it’s up to you

95% of experts agree that happiness is a choice.

Happiness for all!

59% of experts believe that everyone in America has the opportunity to pursue their happiness.

Listen to your elders

And they’re happier now! 33% of experts believe that people over the age of 60 are the happiest.

Our grandparents were happier than we are

60% of experts agree that people are less happy now than they were 50 years ago.

Food isn’t worth it, but love is

58% of experts would give up their favorite food forever if it meant living the rest of their lives completely happy. Only 9% would give up their romantic relationship.

Fake it till you make it

60% of experts believe that people can fool themselves into believing they are happy.

Don’t ignore your spiritual side

80% of experts recommend praying, meditating or doing some other form of spiritual activity in your leisure time in order to be happy.

Pretty hurts:

96% of experts feel that celebrities are not happier than regular people.

Money Hungry

43% of experts feel that the pursuit of money and financial success is the chief motivator for people.

Women deal with unhappiness better

49% of experts agree that women cope with unhappy situations better than men do.