A study of 2,000 adults has revealed that Brits' most memorable friendship moments often stem from unexpected turns, with 61% saying their most cherished adventures with friends came as a result of plans taking an unexpected turn rather than going according to plan. Nearly half (48%) believe these weird, wonderful and unexpected adventures brought them closer, creating memories which will last forever.
Top memorable friendship moments
The most memorable friendship moments include going on holiday together for the first time, going to a music festival, concert or gig, and trying not to laugh while being told off. Other top moments include helping each other through a break-up (30%), trying an activity neither of you had done before (29%) and pulling an all-nighter (29%).
Some friends even have 'unusual traditions' such as holding an annual fancy dress event, taking the same photograph in different places or inventing secret words, signals or handshakes.
Unexpected adventures and their benefits
The research was commissioned by Cartoon Network ahead of its new animated series, Adventure Time: Side Quests, which sees Finn the Human and Jake the Dog embark on a series of absurd and unexpected adventures.
Spokesperson for the show Monika Oomen said: "The best friendships on and off screen are often built on the stories that make no sense to anyone else. Those unexpected detours, silly missions and mini side quests that become legendary between friends. The friendship between Finn and Jake has always been at the heart of Adventure Time, and Side Quests takes us back to the early adventures that helped shape that bond."
People love an unexpected twist or mishap happening on an adventure because of the laughter it brings and how it becomes a running joke. While 85% end up retelling and sharing these stories together, according to the OnePoll.com data.
When a day out or trip takes an unexpected turn, the most common responses are to laugh about it and improvise (23%), turn it into a new experience (14%) and treat it as a side quest and see where it leads (10%).
Definition of an adventure and benefits
It also emerged people's definition of an adventure is exploring somewhere new (43%), trying something they've never done before (34%) and being brave enough to try something different (30%). The biggest benefits they see in going on these are having fun together (46%), escaping everyday routines - even for a little while (30%) and making ordinary moments feel special (28%).
The top 10 most memorable friendship moments are: going on holiday together for the first time, going to a music festival, concert or gig, trying not to laugh while being told off, helping each other through a break-up, trying an activity neither of you had done before, pulling an all-nighter, going camping together, singing (made up or real) songs together, attending a fancy-dress event, and going on an unplanned day trip.
