Why does it seem that poorer people are happier and closer to their family than rich people?
79882
Because Rich people always want everything and can just go out and buy it, no having to question how it will effect them, and poor people always appreciate what they have because they have to work so hard to get it. I know I was happier when I was a single mom making squat. Now it just seems that I have $$ and can have more things easier and it doesn't seem to be as much a a thrill to get things.
3137
To some people happiness isn't based on money, or material possession, but other things like, love, life, and family, or the simple fact of just being alive.
1183819
a rich person can be a drug addict and it won't have any detrimental effect economically. a similar addiction in a poorer person can have a devistating effect on him/her and family
662938
In my experience the Best people do not think about being better than anyone else. They just do the best they can. Whilst money can help in many situations it is not a measure of the quality of a person. Many people overcome poverty to be great achievers.
1011557
This obsession that you speak of is caused by people seeking happiness in all of the wrong places.\n\nNorth American culture seems to promote the idea that looks make you happier; studies show they do not.\n\nThe same thing occurs in studies about money making people happier.  Once again, studies show that it does not.\n\nSo you have a large scale "belief" perpetuated because all of the imagery we are shown leads us to believe that rich and attractive people are happier; once again studies show they are no more happier than a poor and average looking John Doe.\n\nSo why do we seek to be more attractive, more rich and have more things?  Because we're unwilling to dispell what we've come to believe with what is fact.  Happiness is a much simpler and personal formula.  It could be more time with the family, helping others or sitting around the house playing online poker.  Each person must learn to define it.
657717
Yes, money changes the relationship even between close relatives. Unfortunately I have seen it happen in my family. It can tear families apart. I think flattering someone cos they're rich holds no substance. Flatter someone ricj only if you honestly respect them. Or if you think they have done good with the money they have by using it for good things - saving the whales,helping disadvantaged folks,etc. Heck, rich or poor, your flattery should only be based on your estimates of that person's character & how much you respect them - not how much money they have in the bank. Flatter someone only if you really mean it. The richest family member (or non-member) you know can be the biggest jerk this side of the world who treats their folks or other people like crap.
1148852
happiness derived mainly from superficial things is bound to backfire & develop emptiness/void/etc.however, happiness derived from the stability of healthy relationships is priceless & will make one happier regardless of their financial status/although it helps to improve their lifestyle,won't necessarily improve their feelings(one example would be from the new tim burton remake of the charlie&the chocolate factory movie about a poor family who may not have a lot of material things but what matters most is that they have love & each other)anyone who is rich can easily donate money & it's another 'feel good' thing for wealthy people to do to temporarily feed their ego.donating time is more sincere & satisfying.it also depends on each individual's attitudes:whether one is a pessimist or optimist greatly affects their outlook on life & happiness.
936266
My whole family never gets together, but those of us that care do, and its just a time to be thankful that we have eachother, and the blessings God has given us. None of us are wealthy (most of us are not even middle-class) so we really appreciate our blessings!
1133971
S SOMETIMES THERE ARE BETTER LIVING  CONDI  TIONS IN SMALLER TOWNS FOR FAMILY REASONS
31289
Having known people who are rich and some who are not so rich, I don't find the average rich person to be any sadder than the average poor person. Maybe even slightly happier as they don't have to worry every day  how they are going to feed their kids or pay the doctor bills. \n\nI find that the perception that rich people are sad to be largely in the wishful minds of those who covet their wealth.\n\nBy the way, why is this question in the Math section? Are you trolling?
35642
It doesn't bring the same problems but both do bring problems- if you're poor, you hit up rich relatives for money...if you're rich, you have poor relatives hitting you up for money.
863855
I am poor. I am below poverty level, which is not very pleasant. Do I feel poor? No. I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and the internet, and a car,and music. My soul is happy. Money doesn't really mean much. All the important things in life don't have anything to do with money...so I guess I was wrong. I am very rich.
382705
The few I have met (when I was in high school) were just lonely. Sure they had a house bigger than mine, drove nicer cars, and had better clothes. But I had a mom who was there for me at the drop of a hat and they didn't.Their parents were doctors and lawyers and had to work all the time. So when I look back, sure my life probably would have been a hell of a lot easier, but I wouldn't have had the closeness of my parents.
116785
I guess it's because when something good happens, and since everyone is taught to share the wealth, or the good, that you want to share the good news of your happiness and bliss with the other person with everyone else you know.  I think it also gives some people hope that they'll someday be just as happy,too.
891368
People are pretty much all the same.\n\nIn general, people have the same problems, find happiness in the same things, find sorrow in the same things, find a sense of fulfillment from the same things...etc.
603898
family togetherness is good and missing in most families these days due to two working parents and children with busy social lives outside of school. if more familes spent time together to talk over family issues or issues that were bothering them the world would be a better place.
1012956
Studies have shown that the rich are growing progressively wealthier, with the richest 1% of the American people commanding upwards of 30% of the total personal wealth.  The middle class tends to be largely addicted to spending, with a small amount being directed towards appreciating assets - ie. they invest at a mucher lower rate than the wealthy.\n\nSo, in short.  The answer to your question is yes.