A study of 2,000 adults has revealed the friendship moments Brits treasure most, with trying not to laugh while being told off, going to festivals and taking a first group holiday ranking highly. The research found 61% said their most cherished adventures with friends came as a result of plans taking an unexpected turn rather than going according to plan.
Unexpected adventures strengthen bonds
According to the findings, 48% believe these unexpected adventures brought them closer, creating lasting memories. Other top memorable moments include helping someone through a break-up (30%), trying an activity never 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.
Research commissioned for new animated series
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.”
How Brits respond to unexpected twists
People love an unexpected twist or mishap happening on an adventure because of the laughter it brings and how it becomes a running joke. According to the OnePoll.com data, 85% end up retelling and sharing these stories together. 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%).
The research also found 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%).
Top 10 most memorable friendship moments
- 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
- Going on an unplanned day trip
