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By the end of today\u2019s episode, I\u2019m pretty sure you\u2019ll feel inspired to reconnect with an old friend, phone that family member you don\u2019t see enough, or make plans for a face-to-face get-together. You\u2019ll feel happier, and even be healthier if you do, because the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.\n\nMy guests, Professors Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz are co-authors of The Good Life: Lessons From The World\u2019s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. They are the directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development which is an extraordinary research project that started back in 1938 and is now in its 85th year.\n\nRobert\xa0is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.\xa0\xa0He is also a Zen priest and meditation teacher. Marc\xa0is Professor of Psychology and Director of Data Science at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and is also a practicing therapist.\n\nThey are both passionate about spreading the crucial message that high-quality relationships are one of the biggest predictors of happiness, health and longevity and, therefore, prioritising how and with whom\xa0you spend your time may just be one of the\xa0most important things you can do for your mental and physical health.\n\nWe discuss why loneliness increases our risk of death in comparable ways to smoking or obesity and\xa0what this 85-year-old study can teach all of us about how to have a meaningful and satisfying life. The study followed the same participants and their families, taking biological measurements and asking detailed questions. Its goal has always been to understand contentment and what it really means to live a good life.\n\nWe talk about different types of relationships and how toxic friendships and partnerships can be damaging. We also discuss why frequency and quality both matter when it comes to our relationships, the importance for all of us to have one or two \u2018securely attached\u2019 relationships and we discuss the fact that vibrant social lives and close relationships, don\u2019t come easily to everyone.\n\nRobert and Marc\xa0share some fantastic insights on what people can do if they are struggling, the importance of listening and being\xa0\u2018radically curious\u2019 and how we can nurture better relationships with ourselves.\n\nThis really was an uplifting and inspiring conversation with two wonderful human beings. I hope you enjoy listening.\n\nSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts\xa0https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to\xa0https://fblm.supercast.com.\n\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttps://www.seed.com/livemore\nhttps://www.boncharge.com/livemore\nhttps://www.athleticgreens.com/livemore\n\nShow notes\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/364\n\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.