Tag: life experiences
Extraverts and those open to trying new things are more likely to spend their money on experiences (such a vacation or going to show) than on material items, and gain more long-term benefits and greater satisfaction with life, says new research in the Journal of Positive Psychology.
My problem? Shopping lots for both material items and experiences such as trips and concerts — but I’m pretty sure, in my very unscientific assessment, that just makes me doubly happy, wouldn’t you agree?
(Image: House of Harlow totem pole necklace available at Revolve Clothing, which indeed would make me even happier 
January 30, 2012
If you had a particularly rough 2011, here’s a silver lining of sorts: tough, traumatic experiences do indeed make you more resilient as shown in a new study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science. So there is scientific proof for that whole “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” saying. It seems that distressing experiences may help you develop better coping abilities than people who’ve never had such blows to deal with in their lives.
In any case, here’s to a fresh new start in 2012.
(And how’s this Kate Spade 2012 Wall Calendar for a cheery outlook? US $26. Available at See Jane Work)
December 19, 2011
Photo: Confessions of a Shopaholic
Remember the study that found the spending money on experiential purchases makes you happier than buying the latest Louboutins (well, technically the study focused on material items, not just to-die-for shoes — that’s just how I’d choose to splurge…)?
There’s now a new study led by the University of Colarado at Boulder that has found that people who choose to pursue happiness through material means are less liked than their peers than people who seek happiness from life experiences.
So it seems that when it comes to popularity contests and your happiness quotient, you’ll win in both respects by getting out there and living your life rather than filling your closet à la Shopaholic Becky Bloomwood.
Although I still firmly believe there’s a place for both — it’s all about balance.
April 16, 2010
