Hi, this is Monique Rhodes. Welcome to the In Your Right Mind podcast, where we're learning how to be happier by working with our minds. If you want to know more about what I teach, visit howhappyami.com. You'll find a quiz there to help you see how happy you are.
Today, I want to talk about relationships and why meaningful relationships are so essential for happiness. In times of disconnection and division, we might feel tempted to retreat or believe we don’t need others as much. But relationships, real, deep connections, aren’t just “nice to have”—they are foundational to our well-being. Let’s explore how meaningful connections contribute to lasting happiness and how you can cultivate these relationships.
If we want happiness through relationships, the first step is to be real. This means dropping the illusions of perfection. Happiness doesn’t come from flawless, effortless relationships; it comes from relationships where we can be our true selves. The perfect, staged connections we see on social media are misleading. Real, meaningful relationships are sometimes messy, unpredictable, and vulnerable.
When you allow others to see you as you are—quirks, flaws, fears, and all—that’s when true connection begins. Vulnerability can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. By showing up as our imperfect selves, we give others permission to do the same. This honesty is the foundation of deep relationships.
The closest people in my life are those who see all parts of me—the wonderful and the not-so-wonderful. I’m willing to be honest with them when I’m struggling or blocked. These are the people I can lean on, who offer support when I need a new perspective. And in return, they feel safe showing me their true selves, too. This kind of authenticity is what makes my relationships long-lasting and meaningful.
Another key to deep relationships is learning to listen—not to respond, but to understand. Often, we listen while waiting for our turn to talk. True listening means being fully present, dropping any agenda, and simply absorbing the other person’s words to see the world through their eyes. This kind of listening builds trust and conveys that you care deeply about what the other person has to say.
In a world moving at such a fast pace, this genuine listening is becoming rare. When you listen with full attention, it transforms the depth of your relationships. The more you practice this, the more connected you’ll feel.
A common misconception is that knowing more people will make us happier. But happiness isn’t about numbers; it’s about depth. Real happiness comes from a few meaningful connections rather than a large network of superficial ones. I have many people in my life, but the circle of people who know me deeply is small. These are the people I’ve invested in, the ones who know my story, fears, and dreams.
Deep relationships require showing up not only in the good times but also in the hard ones. Think about who you want by your side when things get tough. You want people who are solid, who don’t bail, who show up even when it’s inconvenient. These moments of vulnerability are where real connection happens. When you support each other through life’s challenges, you build trust and a deeper bond.
Celebrating each other’s successes is just as important as being there in hard times. Real support means showing up for each other’s wins, genuinely celebrating their joy as if it were your own. This strengthens your bond and reinforces the positive connection between you. When you feel joy for others, you create a foundation of shared happiness.
Meaningful relationships also require space for growth. We’re all evolving, and lasting relationships allow each person to grow. Sometimes this means having difficult conversations or supporting each other through different phases. Without growth, relationships become stagnant. Encourage each other’s dreams, even if they look different from your own. Embracing change together makes the connection truly lasting.
Happiness isn’t about having a huge social network or picture-perfect relationships. It’s about a few deep connections where you’re fully seen, where you show up in both good and hard times, where you support each other’s growth, and where you truly listen. These connections create resilience, fulfillment, and genuine happiness.
So, be brave, be real, and keep cultivating these deep, meaningful relationships. They will make you happier, more fulfilled, and stronger.
Don’t forget to visit howhappyami.com to find out how to be happier. As always, be kind, take care, and go gently in the world.
