Part of the explanation could be that people tend to be made happier by experiences than by possessions,said Sonja Lyubomirsky,author of The how of happiness.Americans tend to spend their money on possessions,she said,but research shows that the happiness from a bigger house or television set quickly decreases as people get used to the benefits and face the reponsibility that come with ownership. However ,taking a friend out to lunch ,say ,is more of an experience and more likely to bring longer-lasting good feelings. Also,when a person acts kindly , she said ,"there are social consequences:You might enhance your friendship . You might make new friends. People might reciprocate