A lot of people pride themselves on their depth and sophistication, but the truth is, we all have guilty pleasures that might be considered a bit shallow.
And so what? We can’t be serious and deep all the time. There are some simple pleasures that bring us unexplainable joy, and there’s no shame in that. See how many of these things make you weirdly happy.
1. Popping bubble wrap
It serves absolutely no purpose, but the satisfaction of popping bubble wrap is undeniable. The texture, the sound, and the repetitive action create a strangely enjoyable experience that many of us can’t resist.
2. Getting compliments on our appearance
While we might pretend it doesn’t matter, most of us get a little thrill when someone notices our new haircut or compliments our outfit. It’s a quick ego boost that can brighten our day, even if we know appearance isn’t everything.
3. Peeking into other people’s houses
Not in a stalker-y way, of course. Whether it’s through estate agent windows or during an open house, there’s something oddly satisfying about getting a glimpse into other people’s living spaces. It’s a mix of curiosity and perhaps a dash of comparison that we can’t seem to resist.
4. Expensive packaging that you’re only going to throw away anyway
Source: Unsplash Even when we know it’s just marketing, there’s something exciting about unwrapping a product in luxurious packaging. The rustle of tissue paper or the weight of a high-end box can make us feel pampered, regardless of what’s inside.
5. When the petrol pump stops exactly on a round number
It’s completely meaningless, but there’s an inexplicable satisfaction when the petrol pump clicks off at exactly £30.00 or 20.00 litres. It’s a tiny, arbitrary victory that shouldn’t matter, but somehow does. Plus, it makes you think about how you’d get it for free if Stephen Mulhern suddenly showed up.
6. Watching reality TV shows
Source: Unsplash Many of us claim to dislike reality TV, but secretly find ourselves drawn into the drama of these shows. Whether it’s the outrageous personalities or the contrived situations, there’s something oddly compelling about this form of entertainment.
7. The sound of our own voice
While many people claim to hate hearing recordings of their voice, there’s a part of us that enjoys the sound of our own speech. Whether it’s leaving a voicemail or hearing ourselves on video, there’s a certain fascination with our own vocal tones.
8. The smell of new things
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s a new car, fresh paint, or newly printed books, there’s something alluring about these scents. They represent newness and potential, giving us a little rush of excitement that’s entirely superficial but thoroughly enjoyable.
9. Being recognised in public
Even if we’re not famous, there’s a little thrill in being recognised by an acquaintance in an unexpected place. It makes us feel important and noticed, even if it’s just for a moment.
10. Watching our social media notifications pile up
There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing a stream of likes, comments, and shares on our social media posts. It’s a shallow form of validation, but one that many of us secretly enjoy.
11. Using fancy words in conversation
Dropping a particularly sophisticated or unusual word into conversation can give us a little boost. Whether it impresses other people or not, there’s a satisfaction in flexing our vocabulary muscles.
12. When people laugh at our jokes
Even if the joke wasn’t particularly clever, hearing people laugh at something we’ve said gives us a rush of pleasure. It’s a quick hit of social approval that we all secretly crave.
13. The sound of a luxury car engine.
The purr of a high-end vehicle’s engine can turn heads and quicken pulses. Even if we’re not car enthusiasts, there’s something alluring about that sound that speaks to luxury and power.
14. When our food looks Instagram-worthy
While taste is paramount, many of us get a little extra pleasure when our meal looks picture-perfect. The visual appeal adds an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience, even if we don’t actually post the photo.
15. Wearing designer labels
Source: Unsplash Even if we’re not label-obsessed, there’s often a little thrill in wearing something with a prestigious brand name. It might not change the quality of the item, but it can make us feel a bit more stylish or sophisticated.
16. When people remember our name
There’s something flattering about someone remembering and using our name, especially if it’s someone we’ve only met briefly before. It makes us feel noticed and important, even if it’s a relatively shallow interaction.
