Teleconversation with: SonjaLyubomirsky

The Top Questions

Do you have another book in the works? After all, haven't you ultimately written the perennial book on how to be happy?

All of this makes sense but how do I keep the momentum going after reading the book during my busy day?

In your book you talk about the woman from Extreme Makeover and that looks don't necessarily make you happier. But, is the reverse true? In other words, is their scientific evidence that says that happier people are more attractive?

I live in the United States - what do think that we as a country can do to collectively be a more happy nation?

If happiness has very little to do with how many material possessions we have, why are we all so addicted to consumption? Is advertising to blame or is it something else?

The Top Questions

How have you changed your habits based on what you have learned during the writing of this book?


There are a lot of "happiness experts" out there that don't have any science but do speak from the heart. What do you think about those people?


Does owning a pet make a person happier?


Does weather impact happiness? I live in the Northwest where it rains a lot and it seems a lot of people use that as an excuse for not putting in the work to be happy. I love where I live and am very happy.


You talk about optimism being a key in being happier, but what do you do if you continue to be optimistic but keep getting hit over the head with bad luck?