The Science of Happiness: Five Simple Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Connection | Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis
Podcast:10% Happier with Dan Harris Published On: Mon Feb 16 2026 Description: What it really means to feel loved, and why many people who are loved don't feel it. Sonja Lyubomirsky is a preeminent happiness expert and Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California. Harry Reis is one of the world's leading experts on relationships and Dean's Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rochester. They are the authors of: HOW TO FEEL LOVED: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most. In this episode we talk about: What it really means to feel loved, and why many people who are loved don't feel it An antidote to loneliness A broader definition of love beyond romance Why feeling loved may be the true key to happiness How feeling loved is more in your control than you think The "relationship seesaw": lifting others up to feel loved yourself The power of curiosity, listening, and reciprocity Why dropping emotional armor is necessary for real connection Practical tools for feeling more loved Tips on asking better questions and showing real enthusiasm Why genuine curiosity, reciprocity, and emotional pacing deepen connection more than performative listening Related Episodes: Happiness Takes Work | Sonja Lyubomirsky Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Thanks to our sponsors: LinkedIn: Spend $250 on your first campaign on LinkedIn ads and get a $250 credit for the next one. Just go to linkedin.com/happier. Leesa: Go to leesa.com for 25% off mattresses, plus get an extra $50 off with the promo code Happier, exclusive for our listeners. ZipRecruiter: To try ZipRecruiter for free, go to ZipRecruiter.com/tenpercent. FitBod: Get 25% off your subscription or try the app free for seven days at fitbod.me/tenpercent. To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris