Bbc 6minutes

BBC Learning English
6 Minute English
Happiness

Kate:

Hello, I’m Kate Colin and today I'm joined by Rebecca Byrne. Hi Rebecca.
Rebecca, how are you feeling today? You look very happy!

Rebecca: Yes, I am very happy actually. Spring is finally here and I have to say that the
lighter evenings and the sunnier days do indeed make me feel much happier!

Kate:

That's good to hear because, here in the UK and all around the world, the
economic recession is really beginning to make life increasingly difficult for
many people. So in today's programme, we're going to talk about happiness and
where we are likely to find it, especially when times are hard.
But before we find out more, I have the question for this week. Which country do
you think is the happiest? Is it
a) Mexico
b) Denmark
c) Nigeria

Rebecca:

answers…

Kate:

We'll check your answer later, but for now, I'd like to ask you what makes you
happy?

Rebecca:

Generally, I'm happiest when I'm just hanging out with friends and family and
I like also listening to music, that always makes me happy.

Kate:

6 Minute English

Yes, I agree. I always feel happiest when I'm with friends and family too.

© bbclearningenglish.com 2009
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But enough about us, let's listen to the first extract. Can you hear what it is that
makes this speaker happy?

Man
What makes me happy is slowing down. I think that we live in a very fast, speedy world and
we often forget to take stock and take time.

Rebecca:

He said that 'slowing down' makes him happy. He mentioned the fact that we
live in a fast world and we often forget to 'take stock'. This means we should
slow down and examine our lives, rather than rush through our daily activities
as most of us tend to do.

Kate:

And what does he go to say is the problem with happiness?

Man
Well, the problem with happiness is of course that sometimes when you are happy, you are
infected with the spirit of the fact...