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This recommendation is currently available in English.

About the book

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz draw on decades of longitudinal research to show how relationships shape health, happiness and meaning.

The quality of close relationships predicts well-being more strongly than status, fame or wealth alone.

The big idea

A good life is built through attention to relationships: nurturing trust, repairing ruptures and remaining connected over time.

Invest
Protect close ties
Quality
Seek meaningful ties
Repair
Work through difficulty
The goal: create a life rich in connection and meaning

Four lessons for a good life

1

Invest

Protect close ties

Give time and attention to the people who matter rather than relying on good intentions.

Relationships need maintenance.
2

Quality

Seek meaningful ties

Focus on safety, trust and mutual care rather than the number of contacts.

Depth matters more than volume.
3

Repair

Work through difficulty

Use curiosity, communication and forgiveness to address inevitable strain.

Strong ties can recover.
4

Nurture

Connect every day

Turn care into small, consistent actions across family, friendship and community.

Connection compounds.

Key takeaway

One of the best investments for a long and happy life is the continuous care of good relationships.

Why it matters

Relationships buffer stress, support resilience and shape physical as well as emotional health.

The result

Greater happiness, support, health and meaning across the life course.

Original slides

Download the original material supplied by the client.

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