Happiness seems to be in short supply with all of the turmoil in the world today. The good news is that small, unexpected things can bring a smile when it’s needed most, a new poll found.
For example, more than one-third of people relish being allowed to jump ahead in line at the grocery store or hearing a favorite song on the radio. More winners include being able to drive through a string of green lights, catching a familiar smell from childhood and finding a treasured lost item.
“The nicest things are those that are totally unexpected,” a spokesperson for the British company that conducted the poll told Fox News. “And they don’t have to be big things — sometimes little moments lead to big smiles. I’d imagine the joy is doubled if you get a run of green lights while your favorite track plays on the radio.”
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The study found that unexpectedly delightful things happen to people an average of twice a week, with 78 percent saying that when they do occur, it automatically puts them in a good mood, SWNS. Three-fourths also said that making others happy improves their mood.
These are the top 30 things that bring happiness, according to the poll.
- Finding money in a coat or jeans pocket
- Getting a surprise refund
- Receiving a compliment from a stranger
- Having someone let you jump in line at the supermarket
- Hearing your favorite song on the radio
- Receiving a bonus at work
- Getting constant green lights on the road
- Hearing your baby’s first word
- Receiving unexpected affection from your partner
- Being understood by someone else when you’re talking
- Encountering a familiar smell from your childhood
- Hearing from a loved one randomly that they’re proud of you
- Finding a treasured lost item
- Waking up before your alarm goes off and getting to sleep longer
- Getting upgraded, such as on a flight or at a hotel
- Thinking it’s Thursday when it’s actually Friday
- Having a child start a conversation with you
- Receiving a postcard in the mail
- Hitting the exact number when getting gas
- Arriving home from work to find that a loved one has already cooked dinner
- Having a work meeting get canceled at the last minute because the boss isn’t in
- Seeing a car’s funny license plate
- Being asked for ID
- Receiving breakfast in bed from a partner or loved one
- Saying the same thing as your friend at the same moment — and having it happen again
- Hearing from your teenager that he or she wants to spend quality time with you
- Receiving a gift of baked goods from a neighbor
- Bumping into an old schoolteacher — who recognizes you
- Catching the eye of a favorite musician during the person’s live performance
- Witnessing a marriage proposal in public
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