The World Happiness Report just dropped, and it’s clear—our work at the Gambrell Foundation has never been more relevant. This year’s focus? Relationships. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, or even the barista who knows your name, the report is full of data showing that connection is at the heart of a great life. If you’ve been following our work, you know that the WRH findings are similar to what Dr. Robert Walldinger showed in his book The Good Life. Image from the World Happiness Report. Realdania’s newly released Danish happiness study—one of the largest ever conducted—also backs this up in a big way. With over 122,000 responses, it found that social connection is the most important factor in our happiness. Not just deep relationships, but even small interactions matter. A nod from a neighbor. A chat at the grocery store. It all adds up. One surprising finding? The happiest people in Denmark aren’t Danish. They’re immigrants—especially from the Philippines and the U.S.—who consistently reported higher well-being than native Danes. Why? A strong sense of meaning, trust in local government, and the feeling of safety, especially for children. These aren’t just Scandinavian luxuries—they’re designable outcomes. We can build toward them here in Charlotte and throughout the US. This is something we need to do…and quickly. The World Happiness Report also notes rising loneliness, especially among young people. In 2023, nearly 1 in 5 young adults said they had no one to rely on. That’s why our work at Gambrell focuses on belonging, purpose, awe, wonder, and the small but powerful rituals—like shared meals—that create community. So as we think about what it means to live a great life, as you would define it, we should be taking cues from Denmark—and from our own instincts. Invest in relationships. Build trust. Design spaces that spark connection. It’s not just good policy. It’s what makes life worth living.
