C'mon, get happy

We asked, "What makes you happy?" and, wow, you told us. At last count, more than 5,000 readers responded to our happiness questionnaire on Chatelaine.com. The usual suspects popped up: there are lots of cuddly pets, laughing babies and considerate partners out there making you happy right down to your bones. But joy comes in unexpected places, too. As one reader felt moved enough to write, happiness is "when I walk into the grocery store and find that a new chocolate bar has just been imported from Belgium."

We're happy that you're happy. That's why we wanted to share the complete results from our survey. Read on to find out what makes you totally blissed out.

1. Happiness on a plate is: green tea and an elegant arrangement of sushi (11%) a cheeseburger with the works, fries and a beer (21%) grilled chicken, a strawberry-and-spinach salad and a glass of white wine (44%) whatever's in the fridge (7%) homemade mac 'n' cheese with a chocolate shake (14%) Total votes: 4,927

2. The best part of my job is: all of it—I love it! (18%) working with great people (34%) providing stability for my family (16%) the buzz I get from my title and status (3%) the money, honey (17%) lunch (8%) Total votes: 4,897

3. How satisfied are you with each of the following: a. my body very satisfied (8%) somewhat satisfied (50%) somewhat unsatisfied (28%) very unsatisfied (12%) Total votes: 2,905 b. my skin very satisfied (22%) somewhat satisfied (53%) somewhat unsatisfied (18%) very unsatisfied (4%) Total votes: 2,903 c. my hair very satisfied (27%) somewhat satisfied (52%) somewhat unsatisfied (15%) very unsatisfied (5%) Total votes: 2,902 d. my face very satisfied (24%) somewhat satisfied (60%) somewhat unsatisfied (12%) very unsatisfied (2%) Total votes: 2,900 e. my overall appearance very satisfied (16%) somewhat satisfied (60%) somewhat unsatisfied (18%) very unsatisfied (3%) Total votes: 2,911

4. I'm happiest when my friends and I are: in the groove, doing the same things we always love to do (13%) trying something new, whether it's scrapbooking or skydiving (8%) reminiscing about old times (7%) having a heart-to-heart, no-holds-barred conversation (20%) laughing hysterically over something fluffy and trivial (48%) Total votes: 4,927

5. I love my neighbourhood because: it's safe and close to my job (26%) I've made so many great friends there (10%) it's quiet and relaxing—no one invades my space (55%) there's always something fun and exciting going on (6%) I can impress people with my upscale address (1%) Total votes: 4,897

6. For you, what's the most important ingredient in a great sex life? frequency (3%) creativity (12%) intimacy (79%) attractive partner (4%) Total votes: 4,913

7. To be happy, I need (pick top 3): to be independent (19%) a great sex life (8%) a steady income (28%) a challenging career (9%) my children (33%) time to myself (27%) time with my friends (21%) good health (40%) a meaningful relationship (46%) regular contact with my extended family (8%) chocolate (3%) Total votes: 12,861

8. I'm happiest when I wear: a toe ring and nail polish—no shoes (32%) shoes I can really walk in (33%) comfy sandals (10%) something sexy with a killer heel (6%) skates, rock-climbing shoes, ski boots...just as long as I'm movin' (17%) Total votes: 4,922

9. If I won 20,000 I would: book a couple of fabulous vacations (22%) pay off debts and invest the rest (55%) throw a huge party and buy gifts for friends and family (3%) splurge on a big-ticket item for my home (7%) go back to school (4%) start a business (4%) Total votes: 4,919

10. I would be happier if I (pick up to three options): were single (3%) were married (21%) had children (11%) had a different career (37%) lived somewhere else (26%) had a different body (38%) were healthier (35%) had more money (77%) had closer friendships (41%) Total votes: 4,714

11. To be happy spiritually, I need: to attend a place of worship regularly (6%) to pray or meditate (8%) to do something I'm passionate about (30%) to be surrounded by nature (25%) to understand my place in the world (28%) Total votes: 4,913

12. When I'm feeling down, I turn to: my favourite food (18%) my partner (33%) my friends (29%) my favourite store (5%) my pet (12%) Total votes: 4,900