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 a compliment from a stranger.
The poll, of 2,000 adults, found 36 per cent also love it when someone lets them jump the queue in the supermarket.
Hearing their favourite song on the radio also raises a smile for 35 per cent.
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 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).
TOP 30 UNEXPECTED MOMENTS OF DELIGHT:
1. Finding money in a coat or jeans pocket 2. Getting a surprise refund 3. A compliment from a stranger 4. Someone letting you jump the queue in the supermarket 5. When the radio plays your favourite song 6. Receiving a bonus at work 7. Constant green lights on the road 8. Hearing your baby’s first word 9. Your partner randomly shows affection 10. When someone actually understand what you’re talking about 11. A familiar smell from your childhood 12. A loved one randomly tells you they’re proud of you 13. Finding a treasured lost item 14. Waking up before your alarm and getting to sleep for longer 15. Getting upgraded – like on an aeroplane or at a hotel 16. Thinking it’s Thursday – but it’s actually Friday 17. When a child starts conversation with you 18. Receiving a postcard 19. Hitting the exact number when getting petrol 20. When you get home from work to find someone else has cooked dinner 21. A work meeting gets cancelled last minute because the boss isn’t in 22. Seeing a funny car licence plate 23. Getting asked for ID 24. When you’re brought breakfast in bed 25. When you and your friend say the same thing – and it happens again 26. When your teenager wants to spend quality time with you 27. Your neighbour brings round a baked good 28. Bumping into an old schoolteacher – and they recognise you 29. Catching the eye of your favourite artist during their performance 30. Witnessing a proposal in public
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