Happiness.

Atlantic Monthly published findings of a study that began in 1937 when over 200 Harvard University sophomores were asked to participate in measuring a formula for the good life. One of the findings was that the happiest people consistently spent time with loved ones (friends, family, spouses, etc), as opposed to secluding themselves.

While this concept seemed a little like one big Duh to me at first, maybe that's because I'm blessed with a truly amazing circle of loved ones. I am lucky enough to see my friends regularly, hang out with my parents once a week, and habitually receive completely random and amazing inside-joke texts or Facebook messages that further reinforce my stance that life pays off in the most unexpected ways.

For such a long time, I relied on my boyfriends to be my safety net--who I called when I got good news or who'd get me medicine when I was sick, or who I would go to for advice. This might sound crazy but without a boyfriend I finally feel like I have my own life. I'm creating this life and it revolves around me. But it's not like I'm some kind of one-woman-show (I mean, I can be...) or that I'm my own safety net. I've just got my peeps, now. Not some dude.

Oddly, my life feels fuller now than it ever has, which might just be because I am currently on an upswing. Last weekend, Meagan and I were sitting around our kitchen table sobbing over the conundrum that, if we're so great, why didn't those guys want us? (Let me tell you, it was not pretty. I am done crying over that jerk. You hear me? Done.) Afterward, we did some Facebook de-friending, drooled over Bradley Cooper while watching The Hangover, went out unexpectedly with some boys, and felt loads better.

But that's just how life is--up and down. Either way, I have great people right here to make the highs even higher and to help me out of those lows. I've said this before and I will say it again, now: the greatest thing about being single is discovering that my friends will always be there for me, even after such a long hiatus from them (while I was in Boyfriendland). And now that I am in Natashaland, and here to stay for some time, I am realizing it is much, much more fun. And my friends are even more amazing than I remembered, especially the new ones I've allowed myself to make. Imagine that.

Journalist David Romanelli, writing from Yahoo's Shine.com, said of the Harvard study's finding, "One can never give enough hugs, say enough 'I love you's,' and send enough 'I miss you's.' So, loved ones--whether you're family, friends (in-person and Facebook variety), and/or blog-devotees--you're all fabulous. And I love you. Thank you.