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Here’s another reason to go to college (besides the fact that you’re more likely to get married): People with a higher education are happier. But this isn’t always the case: Meaningful relationships with other people can change this for individuals who do not have a lot of education.

Researcher Carol Ryff says, "If you didn’t go that far in your education, but you walk around feeling good psychological stuff, you may not be more likely to suffer ill-health than people with a lot of schooling." That’s good to know during the Christmas season, when we all want to be happy.
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As New Year’s rolls around again, we should all resolve to be happy. But why do so many of us put off pleasure until the future instead of enjoying ourselves now?

Have recent shocks like 911 (note:subscribers can still listen to this provocative show) and the financial crisis made people think they don’t deserve to be happy? Airlines have noticed that millions of air miles expire without being used. This may be because, without a job, it’s tough to pay for the hotel and meals that go along with a vacation. But here’s an even MORE puzzling fact: Many Christmas gift certificates expire without being used (and these are already completely paid for!)
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Don’t try so hard so hard to be happy – It may sound crazy, but it’s true: It’s the pressure to be happy that often leads to sadness and even depression during the holidays.

Psychologist Samuel Gladding is on a mission to redefine what it means to be “happy” during the holidays, which is why he’s challenging the traditional view of happy holidays by pointing out that the higher our expectations, the less likely we are to actually be happy. His advice: Don’t idealize the holidays. Nobody has a family that’s like a Norman Rockwell painting.
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