What is the key to happiness? Does the happiness always stay with you? Did you feel happy today? Now we’re going to discuss it.I’m so sorry to say that I have a long time no updating my program, say no more words anyway, let’s begin.

(Dialogues come from 6 Minute English)

Neil 

That’s a big smile on your face, Georgina! You seem happy today!

Georgina

I am, Neil. After all, what’s the point in seeing the glass half empty?

Neil

Ah, so you’re someone who tries to see the glass half full – you generally look at things in a positive way.

Georgina

I hope so! It may seem strange to be discussing happiness in the middle of a global pandemic but right now feeling happy is more important than ever.

Neil

Well then, it’s lucky that happiness is the subject of this program, Georgina. And while many things seem to be out of our control just now, there are small things we can do to feel better about life…

Georgina

…to feel less stressed, and maybe even a little happier.

Neil

You’re talking like a Dane now, Georgina. Denmark, and in fact all the Nordic countries, are often listed as among the happiest places in the world.

Georgina

You know what would make me happy, Neil? – asking me a really good quiz question.

Neil

OK. Well, did you know that every year the UN publishes its Global Happiness Survey revealing the happiest countries in the world? It’s based on factors like income, life expectancy and health. The Nordic countries often come in the top ten, but which country was rated the happiest in 2020? Was it:

a) Iceland?,

b) Denmark?, or,

c) Finland?

Georgina

Well, Neil, Denmark is famous for bacon, and nothing makes me happier than a bacon sandwich, so I’ll say b) Denmark.

Neil

I like your thinking, Georgina! We’ll find out the answer later, but you’re certainly right to say that Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries in the world.

Georgina

Malene Rydahl, author of the bestselling book, Happy as a Dane, believes that aspects of Danish culture can help us improve our chances of happiness.

Malene Rydahl

Well, I think we should be seeking alignment and I think we should practise gratitude and I think that we should be more conscious about how we relate to things that happen to us and how much we compare ourselves to others… I do think that what we need to focus on    is the quality of our relationships.

Georgina

Did you hear Malene use the word alignment? She thinks there should be harmony between my true sense of who I am, what I think and how I relate to others. We should be in alignment – or in the correct relation, to those things.

Neil

Malene also thinks happiness comes from gratitude – feeling grateful and expressing thanks to other people.

Georgina

She recommends finding three things, no matter how small, to be grateful for every day.

Neil

Like… getting a good night’s sleep, drinking a hot coffee… and having this chat with you, Georgina.

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