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Last updated at 13:00 GMT, Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Happiness

Every week we ask you a different question. Hear what people in London say, then join the conversation!

When you're down, what makes you happy?

Join the conversation. When you're down, what makes you happy? Use the form below to let us know.

The Express English team

This is what some people in London told us:

Shopping is a popular way to cheer yourself up. That's why they call it retail therapy!

A nice view makes some people feel better. Others like having a laugh with friends. And at the end of a bad day, some men said seeing their wife made them happy. Very romantic! But why did the women not say this about their husbands…?

Did you know?

Fact

The leading American psychologist Professor Ed Diener from the University of Illinois says there is no one key to happiness but a set of ingredients that are vital. First, family and friends are crucial - the wider and deeper the relationships with those around you the better.

Language tip

The expression 'to not be a happy bunny' can be used in Britain when you mean someone is annoyed about a particular situation.

Cultural tip

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan first invented the idea of using happiness as a measure of good governance. The term 'gross national happiness' was coined in 1972 by Bhutan's then King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

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When you're down, what makes you happy?

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