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27 Small Joys People Forget To Appreciate, According To Our Community
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You know those small, oddly satisfying moments we all experience but rarely stop to appreciate? The kind that make everyday life just a little better – like popping bubble wrap, peeling an orange in one perfect spiral, or catching a quiet moment to yourself. They’re simple, fleeting, and often overlooked, yet they have a way of bringing unexpected comfort and happiness.
So, I decided to ask the Bored Panda community a simple question: “What is one small joy that people overlook too often?” The responses ranged from tender and heartwarming to funny and deeply relatable, reminding us that joy doesn’t always come from big milestones or grand gestures. Scroll down to read their answers – and feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments below.
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#1
How excited your dog is when you come home.
MalayDragon 9 months ago
"You're Back, I've missed you. Hey let me show you what I did today, you see that couch? I totally slept on it."
Andrew Keir 9 months ago
"And you managed that without disturbing any of the dirty clothes, uneaten food and paperwork so neatly piled on it? I'm impressed!"
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Fire Singer 1 day ago
I always wondered at the dog "experts" who are like "You shouldn't let your dog jump up when they see you and you shouldn't let them get excited" and all that. To a degree I understand, safety first of course, but like...I love that my dog runs at me full force when he sees me because he's just so darn excited!
sturmwesen 1 day ago (edited)
so my BF gets shown the toys... I get barked at. I still don't know why, but I suspect it's because I dare to leave without him (the dog, not the BF) after that the awoo starts
RELATED:
#2
When your cat curls up next to you and starts to purr. Like, you’ve made a tiny house panther happy just by existing.
#3
Having plentiful, clean water on demand.
Daisydaisy 1 day ago
And food, a roof over our heads, a warm bed at night. So blessed, and so grateful for these wonderful things
Auntriarch 1 day ago
Having a toilet cistern that doesn't leak and soak the bathroom floor and drip down into the porch. We think it's fixed now...🤞
#4
When I’m getting ready to take our beautiful 7-month-old Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees puppy for a walk, she gets so excited that it’s hard to put on my walking shoes. She’s all over me, wiggling here and there, while I’m trying to tie my laces—and she’s thinking, “What the heck are you doing? I’m ready—why aren’t you?”
Billo66 1 day ago
My german Shepherd is a year old this month. He is almost paranormally smart. He saw me pick up his accident twice as a pup and I said Thats ok buddy let's try to do that outside. TWICE. I have never seen another accident in the house, he was 9 weeks lol. He knows about 25 words and can kind of say "I love you too" I have cancer and he has healed my soul. Just talking to him, he looks in my eyes and gives me kisses. little nibbles on my chin. Fuck chicken soup. Dogs are the best. (And cats, but I'm allergic. still have one though.
Stephanie Did It 1 day ago
Sending sincere hopes for your recovery so you have years to love them and be loved by them.
Load More Replies... #5
Rainbows after the rain.
A good, well-worn blanket.
Hot cocoa on a cold day.
Silence.
Good neighbors.
Billo66 1 day ago (edited)
Our power went out for about 2 hours yesterday. I live in the midwest, we farm so no neighbors, sound, or lights for miles. It was so peaceful. I didn't care if it ever worked again. No more bombardment of ads and politics. Just me and my kids telling stories in the dark. I'm very thankful for yesterday. Edit: I come here to feel better and cry the whole time. WT actual Fuck is wrong with me.
S Bow 10 hours ago
Nothing is wrong with you, other than you're going through a bad patch right now. We're glad you come here to spend time with us. 🫂
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ispeak catanese 1 day ago
I moved recently and I miss my neighbors most of all! They were wonderful to me and we helped each other. 😭😭
Fire Singer 1 day ago
My husband got me a FANTASTIC blanket for Christmas and I couldn't be happier. It's a fluffy blanket with my favorite comic book logo on it.
#6
The moment when I’m waiting to pick up my kids from school, and they’re looking around for me—then their faces light up with the biggest smiles when they see me. Cue the frantic waving and excited jumping around.
Child of the Stars 1 day ago
My 7yo runs and gives me a big hug when I pick him up from school and it's awesome. My 12yo acts like they're too grownup for hugs in public, but when we're watching our show together on Friday nights, they always put their head on my shoulder 😊
Stephanie A Mutti 1 day ago
My 12yo is too cool for it as well but on the days I get her from school, I can see her eyes light up a little to see I'm there.
Load More Replies... Andrew Keir 9 months ago
*Cue the frantic ... but, yes, it's good to be appreciated. I'm told.
Fire Singer 1 day ago
I have a nephew who at 16 still does this. It warms me heart because he does it for his parents, for me, for his grandparents, really anyone he loves he's unashamed to show it. Which at 16 is unusual lol!
#7
Just taking a few minutes every day (it doesn’t have to be many, maybe 1 or 2) to stop and look up. Enjoy the sky. Even better at night, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll even see stars. (At night, I mean… if you’re seeing stars in the daytime, then you’re either on d***s or you didn’t look before crossing the road, and that’s bad.)
Andrew Keir 9 months ago
I read somewhere that adults don't look up and, believe me, that's our loss. Birds flying past ...
Unicorn 1 day ago
Perhaps I should get a mobile phone, to discover what makes them so fascinating.
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#8
The noise of birds in the trees.
Using a pen you like.
Jan Rosier 1 day ago
Every spring we can hear finches practising their song, but not complete. And then suddenly one of them gets the tune and sings it completely. Always makes me smile when he finally gets it, and then cannot stop! That, and a good portion of death metal, but not simultaneously.
#9
When my 4-year-old granddaughter would run from across the room and jump into my arms to hug me.
Gracie Mae 9 months ago
my 6, 8, and 11 yr old grandkids do this--IT WILL NEVER GET OLD, even when I do and they know me over (they come close now!)
Billo66 1 day ago (edited)
My kids are 11 and 13, yesterday I cried. I remembered there was a time I held them both. Then one day I put them down and never picked them back up. I want to remember that time damnit. They're too heavy now lol. I cry a lot lately. Last week there was this dog food commercial....
Auntriarch 1 day ago
My mother used to run a kindergarten, and the children all adored her and remembered her. It wasn't unusual to be walking down the street and having a strapping eleven year old throw themselves at her yelling "Auntie Meryl!"
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 15 hours ago
I never stopped doing this. I was 23 when I lost Poppy, and 34 when I lost Nan.
#10
Fresh, clean sheets. My husband calls it a “sheetgasm”!
Fire Singer 1 day ago
Especially after freshly shaving your legs! If you want to shave them, no requirements here! :)
#11
An amazing view. I used to live in a village about 20 km outside Geneva. The journey home from the office was downhill toward Lac Léman, with Mont Blanc rising above it. I was there for three years. I would stop my car and get out just to look at the view at least twice a week (sometimes I’d even pull the car over first). Every time, it blew my socks off (I probably shouldn’t have been wearing them with sandals anyway, I suppose). It felt like a mental “reset” after a day doing busy work.
Also, a really, really good shower with high-pressure settings and heat. Not to be underestimated.
Lastly, a dog running up to you first when you’re in a group of people. Makes me feel like the Dog King.
Andrew Keir 9 months ago
I'll agree with the idea of that amazing view. I used to live in the North of Scotland and when the Aurora showed, everyone - even those born there, even the lorry drivers - would stop what they were doing and just stare at the Megawatt light show. IYK,YK.
Ace 1 day ago (edited)
I second this one. I've posted it before, but will do it again in a follow-up, one of many morning view pictures from my bedroom window. (Edit: Yes, also Switzerland, but south of lac Leman),
Stephanie Did It 1 day ago
I felt the same way living in Alaska, surrounded by magnificent scenery every day. I always felt safe and protected by the mountains.
Fire Singer 1 day ago
I've visited family in Alaska, absolutely beautiful views there!
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#12
A nap… in a beam of sunshine… on a cold Sunday afternoon. (Cats know. Learn from cats.)
#13
The peace and quiet during that first cup of coffee, which can sometimes be so rare… the ones overlooking it are the ones that keep it from happening.
UnclePanda 1 day ago
I think one of the finest moments in life is snuggling in your warm sleeping bag while listening to somebody else start the fire for coffee.
Andrew Keir 9 months ago
I'm trying to think this through, haven't quite worked it out yet ...
Bored Sailor 9 months ago
Implying the ones who overlook it are the second one to awake ruining the peace & quiet.t
Load More Replies... #14
A week with no plans. I’ve been on the run since the start of the year. I looked at my calendar this morning, and there is absolutely nothing (other than work) scheduled all week. This never happens! I may get to sit on my butt for a few hours or cook something that doesn’t involve the microwave.
Andrew Keir 9 months ago
Nah, true emergencies are written on your planner but in invisible ink
#15
Silence. Just being quiet and listening to the world. It’s amazing how much we miss because we’re overwhelmed with other things. Just take a breath and be still. Sometimes you actually hear the world speaking to you, and it’s been waiting a long time for your attention.
#16
Having clean water.
#17
Harvesting your own food.
Cuddling with a loved one.
Having a cup of coffee in peace.
Going for a night walk in a safe neighborhood.
Waking up in the morning and actually feeling relaxed!
Fire Singer 1 day ago
I think it depends on your area, but I've never heard of someone not being able to grow zucchini in the US if that's where you are! :)
Load More Replies... #18
Having someone you love next to you when you wake up in the morning.
Stephanie Did It 1 day ago
This is why I have Henri and Loverboy, so I have someone to say goodnight and good morning to. And to snuggle on top of the duvet.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 15 hours ago
45 and have never experienced this with a human. Don't ever expect to.
Kelly Scott 1 day ago
That was my dog. I always wished I could find a guy who was as happy and loving as my dog was. *sigh* Now I don't care anymore.
#19
The perfect temperature. This may sound weird, but living in northern Wisconsin, US, it doesn’t always have the warmest weather. So when I’m outside enjoying myself, I will sometimes stop and think, “Is this the perfect temperature for me right now?” and it makes me more aware of my world in the here and now. It is a small joy to have “the perfect temperature” while outside.
Karen Menard 9 months ago
This might be too specific for most but feeding a newborn in a rocking chair at 5am watching the summer sun start to rise.
Lady Eowyn 1 day ago
I haven't owned horses in over 20 years. But there are days when I go outside and think, this is perfect riding weather.
Geoffrey Scott 1 day ago
"It's SO HOT!" ..."10 below".."What?".... "in a few months it'll be 10 below. I'll take this every time".
#20
People see their greatest friend(s) every day. Unlike them, I think it’s a great joy to see my greatest friend because I don’t see them often.
Thomas Moraille 9 months ago
This is so your friend doesn't seem repeatitive, so more dopamine levels, but honestly don't know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
#21
Sneezing—when it’s been building and then suddenly happens.
Chich the witch 1 day ago
Just getting over a cold and yes this is great. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the ones that build and build but just fade away.
quentariel 1 day ago
My sneezing never stops at one (or two, usually). One feels great, five more makes your eyes water, nose drip and otherwise make you feel like you just had miniature influenza in few seconds. But still satisfying, though.
#22
Looking at the smooth surface in a newly opened jar of spread before you scoop some out.
The first time you brush with a brand-new toothbrush.
The first swipe with a newly opened lipstick.
Stephanie Did It 1 day ago
Ironed linens smell so good, especially if they're line-dried
Load More Replies... #23
Walking down an urban street and enjoying the little front-yard gardens.
JK (Submission author) 9 months ago (edited)
I meant to say enjoying. Sorry for the error. Some people ignore them or don't even notice. I stop to admire. These are sidewalk mini-gardens that are really cool.
#24
Hearing the different birds and watching them flutter around, jumping from branch to branch. People don’t realize how many species of birds are in their neighborhood and the variety of calls each one has.
Giving gifts out of the blue, just because you thought of someone and know what they like.
Listening to kids talk. Too many people want kids to be seen and not heard, or sometimes not even seen. But try having a conversation with them—they are witty, creative, and say things exactly as they think. Don’t rely on the media, where kids recite scripts written by adults about how they think kids think. You don’t have to engage with them directly, but what I overhear when I’m out makes my day.
Kitty Litter 1 day ago
I probably spend too much time in the window with the cats watching the birds at the feeders. It's more interesting than you would think.
Stephanie Did It 1 day ago
I live in an apartment (flat), and the sounds of children laughing and shouting as they play outdoors brings me much joy.
Kelly Scott 1 day ago
I would like to listen to kids talk, too. Would that they did. The only thing I hear kids doing is screaming like they're being burnt with hot pokers for hours at a time. And of course, that makes me want kids to be seen and not heard.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 15 hours ago
1000%. I don't even want to see them, let alone hear them.
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#25
Watching the first flowers grow in spring. Going swimming in summer. All the lovely, lovely things one can do in fall: the last harvest, cooking marmalade, reminiscing about the coming festivities. The silence of falling snow in winter.
Spring, summer, fall, and winter—I love the seasons. I’m glad we have them here in Germany.
quentariel 1 day ago
I love every season too. My depression doesn't agree with the darkness of late fall annd early winter. This year was especially bad when there was no snow to illuminate even a little. Now there's snow and days are getting longer, so I can fully enjoy the winter with the depression in better control.
#26
The first stretch of the morning.
Kitty Litter 1 day ago
I'm with these two, if I stretched in the morning something would tear. Wake up, pop pop pop and hope I didn't injure myself while sleeping.
Ace 1 day ago
Most mornings at the moment consist of being wakened up far too early by Poppy, who's got Diabetes and is getting insanely hungry in the mornings. She'll climb over my head, tickle my face with her whiskers and generally make it so impossible to get back settled that I have to get up and feed her. Sometimes it even too early (like 0630 or so) for my first coffee of the day. Stretching doesn't even enter into the equation, and would probably hurt too much if I tried it anyway.
UnclePanda 1 day ago (edited)
My first moment in the morning consists of a Greek Chorus of body complaints. After that, the existential complaints start rolling in. And then I make coffee.
Bored Sailor 9 months ago
Ohh at my age and body damage absorbed through the years this is a terrifying thing to me, dreaded morning pop off, which joint will be loudest today.
Brenda 9 months ago
Think of it like this. If I wake up and nothing hurt, I'll know I'm dead. As long as I'm hurting, I know I'm alive. Better than the alternative! 😉
Load More Replies... #27
Walking outside and realizing the temperature inside is the same as outside.
Andrew Keir 9 months ago
That's only good if it doesn't involve your central heating being broken
Kelly Scott 1 day ago
There's nothing I hate more than seeing the sun shining, looking warm and happy, then going outside and realizing the sun shines in 30 degree weather, too. Biggest wake up disappointment ever. LOL
What do you think ?
birdo (Post author) 9 months ago
THANK YOU ALL FOR CONTRIBUTING! if you didn’t get a chance to add something just send a comment here :D
Child of the Stars 1 day ago
I know it might sound weird, but just the general adulting stuff. Paying rent and utilities, cleaning my house, going to work. It's not that it's not sometimes painful, but I spent too long inside my head with depression and anxiety and alcoholism to not appreciate the joy of just being able to live.
Disgruntled Panda 1 day ago
Ithank you Birdo! I've just bookmarked this post so I can be reminded of some of life's wonderful little bubbles of happiness ❤️
Deborah B 1 day ago
When you are cold and stiff, then you slip into bed with an electric blanket on, and ....ahhhh bliss. Electricity. Makes everything so easy. Just stop for a second and appreciate your heating, lights, electric blanket, tech, washing machine, etc. We take it for granted until there's a powercut, but really, it's pretty d**n excellent to have modern conveniences. Similar props to indoor plumbing and the flush loo.
Phantom Phoenix 1 day ago
Brunch at a good cafè. Op shops. 2nd hand book-stores. Libraries: Council libraries, University libraries, Street libraries, and my own book collection.
birdo (Post author) 9 months ago
THANK YOU ALL FOR CONTRIBUTING! if you didn’t get a chance to add something just send a comment here :D
Child of the Stars 1 day ago
I know it might sound weird, but just the general adulting stuff. Paying rent and utilities, cleaning my house, going to work. It's not that it's not sometimes painful, but I spent too long inside my head with depression and anxiety and alcoholism to not appreciate the joy of just being able to live.
Disgruntled Panda 1 day ago
Ithank you Birdo! I've just bookmarked this post so I can be reminded of some of life's wonderful little bubbles of happiness ❤️
Deborah B 1 day ago
When you are cold and stiff, then you slip into bed with an electric blanket on, and ....ahhhh bliss. Electricity. Makes everything so easy. Just stop for a second and appreciate your heating, lights, electric blanket, tech, washing machine, etc. We take it for granted until there's a powercut, but really, it's pretty d**n excellent to have modern conveniences. Similar props to indoor plumbing and the flush loo.
Phantom Phoenix 1 day ago
Brunch at a good cafè. Op shops. 2nd hand book-stores. Libraries: Council libraries, University libraries, Street libraries, and my own book collection.
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