Men are generally happier in life than women, new research has revealed. A detailed study into 12 aspects of modern life found men experience higher levels of happiness in seven of them, including salary, appearance and body shape.
Women's scores were higher than men in the love life, family life and sex life categories.
Researchers also revealed that, overall, the average adult rates their current happiness level at an encouraging 64%.
The study also found despite the lingering economic doom, soaring cost of living and stagnant housing market the majority of us have adopted a Monty Python-style 'Always look on the bright side of life' attitude.
Paul Keenan of benenden health, which commissioned the report, said:
''Given the pessimistic economic outlook, the financial restraints everyone is under and the grim weather, it's good to discover deep down, there seems to be a positive and forward-looking attitude across Britain.
''Certainly, a positive attitude goes a long way towards creating a feeling of well-being which in turn can only be good for our long term health.
''This doesn't detract from the fact many families have real difficulties and struggles to face in the current economic climate - but perhaps serves to demonstrate the British 'stiff upper lip' is alive and well in the 21st century.''
The study also found the typical woman's happiness scored highly in general health and their living location.
Other areas in which men emerged as happier than the opposite sex included career prospects, 'how other people see you', finances and job security.
The nation's mood emerged amid a detailed study which initially asked people to opt for 'cup half full' or 'cup half empty', and then examined the reasoning behind their decision.
And the results settled the age old debate around the popular saying, with six in ten people claiming they adopt a positive outlook overall.
The biggest barrier to feeling content in day to day life was money worries, which affected 46% of respondents.
In fact, it would take just £132 extra a month for the average person to make ends meet and dramatically improve their overall happiness - proving that it is not just a big windfall that would help increase the average person's outlook on life but infact a relatively modest sum.
Brits said more sunny weather would be the thing most likely to raise their optimism day to day, while a little more money each month, seeing less negative news items and more affection from a partner would raise the spirits massively.
Eating a better diet, a job that is more satisfying and finally shaking a long term injury or illness all featured in the top 10 wishes for a brighter outlook.
While more reassurance from the boss, time with the kids and even their favourite sports team performing better featured in the list.
A fairly patient one third of people studied would be more optimistic in life if their partner showed them more commitment.
And, perhaps contrary to popular belief, getting hitched seems to do wonders for a brighter perspective on life with married people rating significantly happier than singles in almost all categories.
But it's not always easy and one fifth of less fortunate couples said they had actually become less optimistic in life since getting married.
When looking forwards the study was split 50/50 between those who thought they had good reason to be positive and those searching for reasons to be optimistic about their life.
However, there was a clear trend towards happiness growing with age - over 55s proved the most likely to rate themselves as an eternal optimist.
Interestingly, the younger generation seemed less upbeat overall and were most likely to say their outlook has become gloomier in recent times.
This trend rises directly with age, with the under 25s most likely to say their perspective on life has become more negative and the over 55s least likely to feel their optimism has declined.
Paul Keenan added:
"It's interesting to see men are more likely to adopt a more upbeat view overall - although that particular finding is likely to be a debate that will rumble on and on.''
MALE HAPPINESS
Salary
Career prospects
Current body shape/ weight
Appearance
How other people see you
Your finances overall
Job security
FEMALE HAPPINESS
Love life
Family life
Sex life
Health
Living location
TOP 10 THINGS WHICH INCREASE OPTIMISM
1. More sunny weather
2. Just a couple of hundred pounds extra each month
3. Less negative news items
4. More affection from a partner
5. Improving my diet
6. Finding a job I like
7. Finally shaking an illness/injury
8. Reassurances from my boss
9. More time spent with the kids
10. My sports team performing better
