7 Guilty Pleasures Everyone Secretly Enjoys But Rarely Admits To

7 Guilty Pleasures Everyone Secretly Enjoys But Rarely Admits To

Let’s talk about those little things we love but don’t shout from the rooftops. We all have them—those guilty pleasures we indulge in behind closed doors or with the curtains drawn. They’re like the secret ingredients to our happiness that we’re not quick to share with the world. From the odd to the common, these are the joys that keep us sane in a world that’s all about putting your best foot forward. So, let’s dive into the guilty pleasures that many of us relish—without the guilt.

1. Stalking their exes on social media

Who hasn’t curiously clicked on their ex’s profile or maybe scoped out who they’re dating now? It’s like a secret mission where you’re gathering intel, no strings attached. You’re not there to interact; you’re just… observing from the digital shadows. It’s a way to see how they’re doing (or to reassure yourself that you’re doing better).

Just a quick look at their pictures, maybe check out who’s leaving heart emojis. Harmless, right? It’s human nature to be curious about the past, and the Internet has made it all too easy. Just remember to look and not linger – life’s ahead, not behind you.

2. Taking endless selfies until you get the one that’s *just right*

Ever found yourself snapping selfies, one after another, just to capture that chef’s kiss perfect angle? You’re not alone. It’s like a personal photoshoot where you’re both the glamorous star and the patient photographer. The lighting has to be just so, the smile just right, the backdrop on point. It’s a modern art form, really.

You might take a hundred shots, and to anyone else, they look identical. But you see the nuances—the look in your eyes, the tilt of your head. And when you finally nail it, the feeling is triumphant. Sure, it’s a bit vain, but in a world full of curated perfection, there’s a sweet victory in nailing your own standout shot. No need to admit how many tries it took; just post and bask in the likes.

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4. Popping your pimples (and your partner’s, if you have one)

Alright, it might sound a bit gross, but there’s something weirdly satisfying about popping a pimple. It’s a guilty pleasure that many won’t admit to, but in the privacy of your bathroom, it’s just you and the mirror. And if you’ve got someone special who trusts you enough to tackle their troublesome spots, it can be oddly bonding, in a “we’ve seen each other at our worst” kind of way.

It’s like you’re both acknowledging that everyone has their blemishes, literally, and you’re okay with it. Just remember, though, it’s one of those things best kept between you, the mirror, and maybe that partner who doesn’t mind you getting up close and personal with their skin woes.

5. Binge-watching terrible reality TV shows

You’ve got to admit, there’s something about settling in for a marathon of reality TV that hits the spot after a long day. Whether it’s the over-the-top drama, the wild antics you’d never dream of doing yourself, or the sheer predictability of it all, these shows are like junk food for the brain — not particularly enriching, but oh-so-satisfying.

It’s your chance to switch off the analytical part of your brain and just enjoy the spectacle of it all. And who’s to say? Maybe there’s a bit of comfort in realizing that, no matter what’s going on in your life, it could always be more complicated — like, reality-show-complicated.

6. Eating or drinking out of the packaging instead of using a plate/bowl/glass

There’s a certain rogue charm to ditching the formalities of tableware and eating right out of the package. Whether it’s spooning ice cream straight from the tub or sipping a beverage right from the carton, it’s one of those little acts of rebellion against proper etiquette. No plates, no bowls, no glasses to wash – just you, your snack, and the blissful absence of extra dishes.

It feels like a shortcut to satisfaction, doesn’t it? Plus, when it’s just you, who’s to judge? It’s all about savoring that moment of simplicity and, let’s be honest, the sheer convenience of it all.

7. Going into an internet black hole and wondering where the hours went

Ever found yourself just a click away from an innocent Google search and the next thing you know, you’re six degrees deep into a topic you didn’t know existed an hour ago? That’s the internet rabbit hole for you. Time becomes a blur as curiosity leads you from one link to another, and suddenly you’re an armchair expert on a subject you never planned to explore.

Whether it’s conspiracy theories, a deep dive into a celebrity’s Instagram, or an endless stream of TikTok videos, the journey is strangely thrilling. And yeah, you might resurface wondering how on earth it got so late, but those unexpected trips through cyberspace? They’re bizarrely entertaining brain vacations.

8. Looking at your own social media feeds/watching your own videos

Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just fun to take a stroll down your own social media memory lane. You scroll through your posts, photos, or videos, reminiscing about the moments, the shares, the likes, and the comments. It’s like watching a movie where you’re the main character, and each post is a scene from your life’s highlight reel.

Maybe you chuckle at your own past witticisms or bask a little in a particularly good selfie day. It’s not vanity; it’s appreciation for the narrative you’ve created. It’s a personal feel-good session where you’re both the audience and the star, reliving the digital footprints you’ve left behind.

9. Fantasizing what you’d do if you won the lottery

Who hasn’t let their mind wander into the daydream where they hit the jackpot? Imagining what you’d do if you won the lottery is a universal guilty pleasure. It’s that moment of escape where you mentally spend every cent on everything from mansions, sports cars, world travel to helping out family and friends, or even planning early retirement.

There’s a thrill in drafting this fantasy life, free from financial constraints, even if the odds are astronomically against us. It’s a harmless diversion, a break from reality where the possibilities are as unlimited as your imagination, and every once in a while, it’s fun to just dream big.

Originally from Australia, Emma Mills graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual degree in Philosophy and Applied Linguistics before moving to Los Angeles to become a professional matchmaker (a bit of a shift, obviously). Since 2015, she has helped more than 150 people find lasting love and remains passionate about bringing amazing singletons together.

Emma is also the author of the upcoming Hachette publication, "Off the Beaten Track: Finding Lasting Love in the Least Likely of Places," due out in January 2025.
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