Why does spending on others make us happy? Part of the answer may lie in how we feel about ourselves when we give to others. It sponsors the image that we care and are attentive to the other person’s needs; thus making the other person feel good. Spending on others also sends the message that they are important to you and helps to build stronger ties and social relationships. Of course, stronger social relationships lead to a better well-being and more happiness.
Now, just because spending on others leads to more happiness does not mean you spend all your disposable income on other people. The important element is finding balance. Those who spend a large proportion of their income on others may be very altruistic or they could be using it as a bribe for another person’s affection. But that is a topic for another blog. The importance is that once your basic needs are met – you’ve paid the rent, put food on the table, paid your bills – and you’re debating whether you should buy the Dolce Cabana bag or give to a friend or need or donate money to the
Gazette Christmas Fund, research findings are suggesting that spending on another person is a great ingredient for long-term happiness.
Happy Holidays.
Virginia Chow, Ph.D., Psychologist at Clinic Dr. Bita
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