Altruism linked with happiness and romantic love
A survey conducted by NORC of the University of Chicago, "Altruism and Empathy in America: Trends and Correlates," authored by Tom W. Smith, found a connection between altruism and strong romantic relationships. 1,329 people were surveyed. First, they were asked to rate their agreement with statements like "I’d rather suffer than let the one I love suffer" to measure their level of altruism. Then, they were asked to rate their happiness in their lives and marriages. Those who scored high on altruism were more likely to come out "very happy." Women tended to have a greater empathy and altruism than men, and children who grew up with both parents were morempathicic than those who didn’t. Least altruistic were girls raised only by a father. Money had little to do with it. The Fetzer Institute conducted a similar study in 2002, allowing researchers to note that altruistic behavior has been growing over the years. About 5% (at 75%) more people reported having concerned feelings for the less fortunate than in ‘02, while the number of people who felt they shouldn’t worry about others dropped by 7% (to 25%). So, it seems true that the selfless are happier than the selfish, karma.
Survey links altruism and romantic love, UChicago.edu