Icebreaker questions and getting-to-know-you activities pop up all the time, and it’s always easier if you have an answer ready. One question people often ask as a conversation starter is, “What’s your guilty pleasure?” If you’ve ever been asked that and suddenly forgotten everything there is to know about yourself, you’re not alone, which is why this list of guilty pleasure examples comes in handy.
What Are Guilty Pleasures?
A guilty pleasure is simply something you enjoy even though you might feel a little embarrassed about it or think other people might judge you for liking it. It’s also something that’s a little indulgent or that you spend too much time or money on.
The “guilty” part of the term doesn’t mean it’s bad or harmful. Instead, it means it’s something people often keep to themselves because it feels silly, uncool, childish, or unexpected. Think of the things about you that only your closest circle knows, that’s a guilty pleasure.
Why Are They Called Guilty Pleasures?
They’re called guilty pleasures because they are things you enjoy but might feel a little embarrassed to admit. Maybe it feels too childish, or just not cool for your age. The guilt is usually not serious. It is more like knowing you probably should not love something this much, but loving it anyway. Honestly, if it makes you happy and does not hurt anyone, there is probably no reason to feel guilty at all.
Guilty Pleasure Examples
The best way to explain guilty pleasures is to look through examples! We have put together this list of guilty pleasure examples. This list includes things that a lot of people enjoy, but might be too embarrassed to admit it! Look through this list and see which of these guilty pleasures apply to you! At the very least, looking through these examples might help you get a better understanding and reflect on your own life to identify your guilty pleasures!
- Watching reality TV shows
- Rewatching the same comfort show repeatedly
- Eating cereal for dinner
- Taking online quizzes
- Watching “get ready with me” videos
- Watching celebrity gossip videos
- Playing online games
- Listening to Christmas music year-round
- Collecting stuffed animals
- Ordering takeout instead of cooking
- Playing with Legos as an adult
- Eating cookie dough instead of baking cookies
- Picking your nose
- Taking a nap in the middle of the workday
- Watching Real Housewives
- Ordering sugary drinks at coffee shops
- Watching nostalgic kids’ cartoons
- Eating chocolate by yourself
- Staying up late to play video games
- Looking up your horoscope
- Stalking your favorite celebrity’s social media
- Listening to music you loved in elementary school
- Singing in the car like you’re performing
- Watching ASMR videos
- Looking through old text messages
- Taking super long showers
- Looking at Zillow for dream houses
- Re-watching old Disney Channel shows
- Eating an entire pint of ice cream
- Taking tons of selfies to get the perfect one
- Reading books long after bedtime
- Watching room makeover videos
- Learning TikTok dances
- Making music playlists for every possible situation
- Taking screenshots of outfits you’ll never wear
- Playing games on your phone
- Eating a full bag of candy
- Singing at the top of your lungs in the shower
- Getting coffee at a shop instead of making it at home
- Only eating the middle part of an oreo
What is the point of guilty pleasures?
Guilty pleasures are meant to just be fun. They’re something that a lot of people have in common, but many would not admit it publicly. For this reason, it is common for people to share guilty pleasures as a conversation starter or ice breaker. For example, in a group of strangers, someone might ask everyone to share a guilty pleasure of theirs. When you go around sharing your guilty pleasures, you might find out that someone else likes the same type of things you do, and you develop a closer bond. Whether it is at an office party, classroom, or sleepover, sharing guilty pleasures can bring people closer together.
Conclusion
Almost everyone has a guilty pleasure or two, and it’s fun to learn these things about people. Whether it’s binge-watching reality TV, listening to childhood songs, collecting stuffed animals, or spending too much time watching videos of people organizing their space, these little interests are what help us relax, laugh, and unwind. They’re also what make us all different.
Most guilty pleasures aren’t something to even feel guilty about at all. They’re harmless things that bring people joy. So, the next time someone asks you to share a guilty pleasure, don’t overthink it. If someone else in the room enjoys the same thing, you may have just found a new friend. If you find yourself in a position where you have to share a guilty pleasure but can’t come up with one, you can simply copy someone else’s who went before you! This way you get to participate, without the burden of taking a social risk and coming up with an original idea.