Does buying things really make people happy?

I'd say buying things can bring temporary happiness, but it rarely lasts. That's largely because the excitement fades quickly once you own the item - it becomes just another possession. For example, when I bought those running shoes on Nanjing Road I mentioned earlier, I was thrilled for about a week, but then they just became part of my daily routine. At the same time, I do think shopping with friends or family can create more lasting happiness through the shared experience - like when we stopped for dumplings afterwards. So it's more about the connections than the purchase itself.