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<\/p>\nThe top 30 most unexpectedly delightful things to happen include pulling out a bank note from the pocket of an old pair of jeans,\u00a0 getting a surprise refund \u2013 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 \u2013 while hearing their favourite song on the radio raises a smile for 35 percent.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A spokesman said: \u201cThe nicest things are those which are totally unexpected, and they don\u2019t have to be big things \u2013 sometimes little moments lead to big smiles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThough I\u2019d imagine the joy\u2019s doubled if you get a run of green lights while your favourite track plays on the radio.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study also found unexpectedly delightful things happen to people an average of twice a week \u2013 with 78 percent claiming that when such things do occur, it automatically puts them in a good mood.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s 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 \u2013 which is why it\u2019s something 36 percent try to do often.<\/p>\n
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\u2019re proud of them (38 percent).<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u2013 and a generous 19 percent find joy in paying for someone else\u2019s meal while out for dinner.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
And 84 percent of those polled, via OnePoll.com, said these moments in life restore a little hope in humanity.<\/p>\n
It also emerged that over a third (36 percent) prefer the moments of happiness that come out of the blue \u2013 although 14 percent would rather have advance warning if something lovely is on its way.<\/p>\n
And 53 percent are more inclined to pay such moments forward to others, if they\u2019ve been on the receiving end themselves.<\/p>\n
The data also revealed it\u2019s all about Self-Care Saturdays, as that\u2019s the day when 14 percent are more likely to do something to treat themselves \u2013 more so than any other day of the week.<\/p>\n
The spokesman for Alpen Delight added: \u201cIt\u2019s good to see how people enjoy delivering, and not just receiving, lovely surprises.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd it’s interesting to see just how many people prefer their happy moments to be unexpected \u2013 as it seems that it only enhances the experience for some.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe definitely believe in treating ourselves, and encourage it in others \u2013 so why not do something spontaneously delightful for yourself, too, next time you\u2019re out and about!\u201d<\/p>\n