In the 70's, women reported being happier than men. Today, the roles are reversing. Men are now happier -- working less and relaxing more. But women have added paid work to their housework. Forty years ago, a typical woman spent 23 hours a week doing things they didn't like -- 40 minutes more than a man. Today, the gap is 90 minutes more.

Clinical psychologist Ellen Kenners' radio show -- the rational basis of happiness -- helps callers tune in the positive.

Doctor Kenner believes to find happiness, you have to find something else first.

"Happiness is the achievement of, and here's a key word, rational values," Dr. Kenner told Ivanhoe.

She says those values are romance…"If you are willing to put in the effort and learn how to deal with rejections, you're much more likely to achieve the goal of a good romantic relationship," Dr. Kenner said.

Dr. Kenner believes there are several other aspects of live that are important in order to achieve happiness. "Our career is so much a part of our identity," said Dr. Kenner. "Family does not get a free pass. You need to judge them. And yourself, you want to make yourself loveable," Dr. Kenner added.

Karimah Stewart knows the power of believing in yourself. Within a few months she hurt her back, dropped out of grad school and gave up her dream of becoming an actress.

"I didn't know what was wrong with me," Stewart told Ivanhoe.

After months of moping, Stewart made the conscious decision to lose the self-pity, the self-loathing and focus on healing her self.

"I'm making a choice based on what's good for me and honoring myself and what's in my heart," Stewart said.

Now Stewart has a new career, a new home and a new outlook on life.

So … are you happy? Take our quiz. Yes or no, is your life close to ideal? Are the conditions of your life excellent? Are you satisfied with your life?

So far, have you gotten the important things you want in life? And if you could live your life over, would you change almost nothing.

If you answered no to half of these, you may not be as happy as you could be.

 
And whether you are or aren't may depend on your age. People are less happy in middle age. For women, the least happy year is 45, for men … 49. But doctor Kenner says age is no excuse for not feeling truly happy.

"We can call it a high, but it's not on drugs. You'll find these moments when you've achieved something, and you just feel good. You feel great," Dr. Kenner said.