30 things that bring unexpected delight for Brits revealed – as survey says we care about strangers’ opinions

THE 30 things that bring unexpected delight for Brits has been revealed – as a survey says we care about strangers’ opinions.

The poll of 2,000 adults found 36 per cent also love it when someone lets them jump the queue in the supermarket.

Huw Evans

The 30 things that bring unexpected delight for Brits has been revealed[/caption]

Huw Evans

The survey found we as a nation care about strangers’ opinions[/caption]

Hearing their favourite song on the radio also raises a smile for 35 per cent.

While 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 spokesperson 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 per cent claiming that when it does 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 per cent of those polled find making others happy improves their mood too.

Which is why it’s something 36 per cent try to do often.

Such acts include smiling as they walk past another person (52 per cent), just being there to listen to a friend (50 per cent) and telling someone they’re proud of them (38 per cent).

Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) 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 per cent find joy in paying for someone else’s meal while out for dinner.

Delighted, optimistic and grateful are among the words respondents used to describe the feelings they get when they bring a moment of happiness to another.

And 84 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, said these moments in life restore a little hope in humanity.

The moments of happiness that come out of the blue are preferred by 36 per cent while 14 per cent would rather have advance warning if something lovely is on its way.

While 53 per cent are more inclined to pay such moments forward to others if they’ve been on the receiving end themselves.

And the data revealed it’s all about Self Care Saturdays as that’s the day when 14 per cent of are more likely to do something to treat themselves – higher than any other day of the week.

The spokesperson for Alpen Delight added: “It’s good to see how people enjoy delivering and not just receiving lovely surprises.

“And 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!”