SECRETS TO HAPPINESS

Merete Korshavn Gate, mother of two boys, married to a Swede, who’s lived in UAE since 2006, responded to Khaleej Times in an email from Norway, where she was visiting her parents at her childhood home in Gjøvik. Gate said, “I have been thinking a lot about the Norwegians’ happiness since I read we’re the “happiest people on earth and here are some of my views: 1. We live surrounded by fantastic and sometimes spectacular nature... I think fresh air and nature is very important for wellbeing. 2. We are outdoorsy people; (being an expat, returning to Norway hits me every time... Norwegians are sporty and walk/bike/ski everywhere). She said, “Even the older generation; My mum turned 70 this week, and several of her presents were sports clothing and gear. 3. We have a lot of space. The area is huge compared to the approximately five million people who live in the country. 4. We are an independent nation. We stand outside the EU and we’ve shown we can do so well. It boosts our morale. It makes us feel safe and happy. We stand up for each other. 5. We trust each other. Many might see us as “blue-eyed and naive.” But we are honest and trustworthy. 6. We have a firm handshake.And ‘what you see and hear is what you get.’ 7. Our taxes are high, but we get a lot out of life, too. 8. Life goes on at a slower pace in Norway; it’s definitely less stressful than in the UAE; traffic is slower, people talk slower... 9. Like a lot of Norwegians, my parents, who are almost 70, travel to their cabin in the snowy mountains to relax every weekend in winter. There are no luxury facilities. But they do have a sauna and take a snow bath after being in the sauna.”