3. Close-knit Families
A strong relationship can be one the best protections you can have from everyday stress. Whether we’re aware of it or not, it contributes a lot to our emotional (and even physical) well-being. Having someone who provides support and comfort plays a big role in being happy and, ultimately, improving our quality of life no matter how difficult it is at that moment. It doesn’t matter if we form these bonds with our colleagues, friends or family, a strong relationship with someone has more therapeutic value than any medication, diet or exercise can provide.
In the Philippines, keeping families intact and close together is rooted deep in Filipino culture. It is common for entire complete families of several generations to live together under one roof. In Western culture, parents encourage their children to move out when they’re in their 20’s and grandparents are sent to nursing homes once they’re too old. For Filipinos, however, it is perfectly acceptable for anyone in the family to live together in the same house for as long as they want. Even after being married with children, it is normal if you, your spouse, and your children still live in the same house as your mother, father, siblings, or even your siblings’ own families.
For Westerners, it may seem like asking for trouble to have an entire family crowded in one house, but Filipinos look at it is as having warmth and unity. In a Filipino household, the family works together in harmony to provide for each other. The adults care for the elderly, the children carry out chores, the elderly care for the children; it’s like a well oiled machine. The biggest benefit of all though is that there are many strong relationships developing and made within the family. The support and comfort needed to alleviate stress and sadness are easily accessible. Someone will always be there for you if you ever need help or just to vent out frustrations. Even simply being around caring family members is enough to boost a person’s mood. Their presence can make you feel safe, comfortable and sheltered from harsh reality. Essentially, just being a part of close-knit Filipino families can contribute in boosting your mood and keeping you happy. So, next time you see a caring family member of yours, give them a hug and thank them for being your walking-talking serotonin.
4 Reasons That May Explain Why Filipinos Are Generally Happy
3. Close-knit Families
A strong relationship can be one the best protections you can have from everyday stress. Whether we’re aware of it or not, it contributes a lot to our emotional (and even physical) well-being. Having someone who provides support and comfort plays a big role in being happy and, ultimately, improving our quality of life no matter how difficult it is at that moment. It doesn’t matter if we form these bonds with our colleagues, friends or family, a strong relationship with someone has more therapeutic value than any medication, diet or exercise can provide.
In the Philippines, keeping families intact and close together is rooted deep in Filipino culture. It is common for entire complete families of several generations to live together under one roof. In Western culture, parents encourage their children to move out when they’re in their 20’s and grandparents are sent to nursing homes once they’re too old. For Filipinos, however, it is perfectly acceptable for anyone in the family to live together in the same house for as long as they want. Even after being married with children, it is normal if you, your spouse, and your children still live in the same house as your mother, father, siblings, or even your siblings’ own families.
For Westerners, it may seem like asking for trouble to have an entire family crowded in one house, but Filipinos look at it is as having warmth and unity. In a Filipino household, the family works together in harmony to provide for each other. The adults care for the elderly, the children carry out chores, the elderly care for the children; it’s like a well oiled machine. The biggest benefit of all though is that there are many strong relationships developing and made within the family. The support and comfort needed to alleviate stress and sadness are easily accessible. Someone will always be there for you if you ever need help or just to vent out frustrations. Even simply being around caring family members is enough to boost a person’s mood. Their presence can make you feel safe, comfortable and sheltered from harsh reality. Essentially, just being a part of close-knit Filipino families can contribute in boosting your mood and keeping you happy. So, next time you see a caring family member of yours, give them a hug and thank them for being your walking-talking serotonin.
About The Author
Raised in New Jersey, but moved to Metro Manila back in 2010. Paolo is a Filipino-American who is a graduate of mass communication, but currently a student of nursing in Quezon City. During the day he writes on hospital charts, by night he is writing on his blogs. A good day for him is watching a movie at a theatre while sipping on some Gong Cha milk tea.
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