9:44am UK, Friday October 03, 2003

Money, beauty and love have been debunked as the main source of happiness.

A new study shows that when it comes to feeling good, the secret lies mainly in the genes.

Could it be in the genes for Kate Hudson?

Scientists listed the top 10 factors governing happiness and found having a genetic propensity to happiness ranked highest.

Marriage came second and having a wide circle of valued friends was third, the study in the New Scientist magazine found.

Not expecting or desiring too much came fourth, followed by doing someone a good turn and having faith, which was sixth in the list.

The other keys to happiness were to stop comparing your looks with others, earn more money and grow old gracefully.

Little evidence was found linking intelligence with happiness.

The study used research from leading academics all over the world including psychologist David Lykken of Minnesota University who studied 4,000 adult twins to unlock the key to their states of mind.

Happiness top 10
1. Genes
2. Marriage
3. Friends
4. Desire Less
5. Good deeds
6. Having faith
7. Stop comparing looks
8. Money
9. Grow old gracefully
10. Don't worry about intelligence

Your views

We asked you what makes you happy. Here are a selection of your responses.

A loving partner, to look at things in a positive way even if they are negative. Smile and hug people as much as you can (makes them do the same). Take negative comments on board listen and do something positive with that.
Mario

God!
Mark

Chocolate makes me happy. And ice cream. And pizzas.
Kate

Music, Romantic kisses, Sun, Being on the beach, Being with Friends, Winning extra cash, Shopping and fitting into a size smaller, Sport cars, Halloween.
Emma

Happiness I feel is being at peace with yourself. Then if nothing up sets you have nothing to get cross about. It is all a state of mind.
Bryan