This week there is yet another article making its rounds about how to be happy.

This time, it’s the Harvard Study of Adult Development weighing in with what it claims to be the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted.

The bottom line according to the research is if we want to be happier the answer can be summarized in one word: relationships.

When we think of relationships what comes to mind most likely are romantic relationships and family relationships.

If you have warm family relationships you have the equivalent of a comfortable blanket on a cold night.

And if you have a romantic relationship that makes you feel appreciated and loved, you probably find it easy to be happy.

But they aren’t the only relationships that can contribute to our sense of well-being.

While close friends and family affect the deepest part of our soul and are integral to our happiness, contact with others also plays a part in our contentment.

According to the Harvard research, even casual relationships are beneficial. The research showed casual relationships in all forms have a positive, uplifting effect.

It cited people such as co-workers, tennis partners, church groups and those we encounter though our normal activities as contributing to a happier, healthier life.

In other words, it’s all about people contact.

That research confirms what I’ve found in my own life. Even brief encounters with those I meet on my morning walks make me feel good.

Right before Christmas a couple I briefly met on my morning walks decided to have what amounted to a get-acquainted Christmas party. She invited neighbors she didn’t know as well as some with whom she had casual contact.

I went to the party thinking it was going be a dud. My new friend Linda worked hard to create a festive party but I worried since most people invited were strangers no one would show up. What a surprise I had when I walked in the door and found a room filled with chatty, laughing men and women who seemed happy to get to know so many new people.

We started the night as a bunch of strangers but by the time we went home we had some possible new friends. I say “possibly” because it takes more than a short party encounter.

My friend planned the party based on getting to know casual acquaintances because her husband has serious health problems and they don’t get out except for doctor’s appointments.

“As we get older we get more health problems and don’t have the chance to cultivate new friendships,” she said.

I think that’s so true. As we age, it’s harder to meet new friends. Yet that’s when we most need new people in our life because many of our old friends have moved or passed away.

I think people were anxious to come to her party because COVID has kept many older folks cooped up for too long.

I find friendly neighbors can make a big difference in our happiness.

My neighborhood of modest homes was decimated by the hurricane, with many homes completely down and others sustaining major damage.

It’s a great neighborhood of friendly, caring people. I was concerned about how the neighborhood would change.

People have a choice: Move, or rehabilitate their homes at great expense.

Almost everyone is opting to stay and rebuild, all except my wonderful neighbor across the street.

He correctly calculated the cost of rebuilding his demolished house versus buying a new home that would have everything new. In the long run a new home would be cheaper, he said.

Those who have opted to rebuild and stay in the old neighborhood tell me it’s partially because they value the kind of neighbors they have now.

One thing I’ve noted through the years is how the physical distance between homes influences the interactions of neighbors.

Those who live in other sections of our development with much bigger homes and more acreage between homes often don’t get to know their neighbors.

They ride home from work, shut their garage doors and stay put.

A close friend lived for more than ten years in an upscale part of our development where homes are spaced far apart. She says she doesn’t even know the names of her neighbors.

I’m definitely someone who needs people contact. If I go too long without people contact I’m like the parched plant in need of water.

There’s that old Barbra Streisand song lyrics that says “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” I must be lucky.

If I’m feeling in need of social contact in my neighborhood I go out to get the mail. That usually results in social interaction with neighbors.

Those casual interactions make me feel less isolated but they are not like the deep satisfying friendship I have with my close friends.

I have to admit my brother scoffs when I tell him he would be happier with more people contact.

“I’m perfectly content by myself,” he insists.

Yet, after he socializes with people he enjoys I note that he laughs more, sounds happier and even his voice changes.

I find I need more, not less, social contact because it definitely makes me happier.

What about you?

Do you need people contact or, are you more of a loner at heart?

Contact Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net