The top 30 most unexpectedly delightful things to happen include pulling out a bank note from the pocket of an old pair of jeans, getting a surprise refund – and receiving a compliment from a stranger, research has found. A poll, of 2,000 adults, found 36 percent also love it when someone lets them jump the queue in the supermarket – while hearing their favourite song on the radio raises a smile for 35 percent.
Driving through a run of green lights, catching a whiff of a familiar smell from your childhood, and finding a treasured lost item, also feature in the top 30 list.
The research was commissioned by Alpen Delight, which visited a Cardiff shopping centre with TV personality, Josie Gibson, to ask shoppers about the little things that bring them happiness.
A spokesman said: “The nicest things are those which are totally unexpected, and they don’t have to be big things – sometimes little moments lead to big smiles.
“Though I’d imagine the joy’s doubled if you get a run of green lights while your favourite track plays on the radio.”
The study also found unexpectedly delightful things happen to people an average of twice a week – with 78 percent claiming that when such things do occur, it automatically puts them in a good mood.
But it’s not just being on the receiving end of these unplanned surprises that brings the most joy, as 77 percent of those polled find making others happy improves their mood, too – which is why it’s something 36 percent try to do often.
Such acts include smiling as they walk past another person (52 percent), just being there to listen to a friend (50 percent), and telling someone they’re proud of them (38 percent).
Nearly four in ten (38 percent) have cheered up others by making the effort to cook someone a meal, or simply letting another driver into their lane while on the road – and a generous 19 percent find joy in paying for someone else’s meal while out for dinner.
Some of the top words people would use to describe the feelings of bringing a moment of happiness to another include delighted, optimistic, and grateful.
And 84 percent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, said these moments in life restore a little hope in humanity.
It also emerged that over a third (36 percent) prefer the moments of happiness that come out of the blue – although 14 percent would rather have advance warning if something lovely is on its way.
And 53 percent are more inclined to pay such moments forward to others, if they’ve been on the receiving end themselves.
The data also revealed it’s all about Self-Care Saturdays, as that’s the day when 14 percent are more likely to do something to treat themselves – more so than any other day of the week.
The spokesman for Alpen Delight added: “It’s good to see how people enjoy delivering, and not just receiving, lovely surprises.
“And it’s interesting to see just how many people prefer their happy moments to be unexpected – as it seems that it only enhances the experience for some.
“We definitely believe in treating ourselves, and encourage it in others – so why not do something spontaneously delightful for yourself, too, next time you’re out and about!”
