What Thriving Social Well-Being looks like is a woman with close relationships that help and support her achieve, enjoy life, and be healthy. She purposefully surrounds herself with people who champion her development and she spends a significant amount of time fostering and developing close friendships. She is thriving when she makes time for social gatherings but not too many where she is too busy for the deepest and most intimate relationships in her life. She is careful not to let her social circle include “emotional vampires” who deplete her of energy – rather – she takes enough time to practice self-care while setting healthy boundaries with those around her.
Interesting ideas about Social Well-Being:
- Who you hang out with can determine your happiness by 15%
- You will only be 10% richer or poorer than your closest 10 friends
- We are embedded in social networks in any society or culture
- You are 61% more likely to smoke if you live with a smoker
- If your friend/mate is obese, you are 57% likely of becoming obese (eating buddies)
- The importance of a “mate” – some say we are meant to be coupled as women. Do you agree?
- To have social THRIVE we need 6 hours of social time per day
Source: Rath, T. & Harter, J. (2010). Well Being: The Five Essential Elements. New York: Gallup Press.
