Brits claim to experience an average of 11 intense moments in their lives each year – with moving house, buying a property, and going through a break-up or divorce topping the list.
Some of the other situations in life that cause an increased heart rate include your wedding day, proposing to your partner or being proposed to – and a family feud.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that over half (57 per cent) enjoy such moments, with 38 per cent finding them exciting, and 26 per cent embracing the intensity of these occasions.
Fewer than one in ten (eight per cent) claimed to dislike life's intense experiences – with falling over in public, or watching a sex scene in a TV show or film with your parents, also making the list.
Despite the intensity around these occasions, 28 per cent use them as an opportunity to come together and spend time with friends and family – while 22 per cent see it as an excuse to enjoy food and drink with others.
The research was commissioned by Philadelphia to celebrate the launch of its new “Intense” flavour range.
Teaming up with celebrity chef, TV presenter, and DJ, Gok Wan, the gourmet cream cheese brand is touring the UK with a pop-up experience – inviting members of the public to experience intense flavour combinations.
Nancy Galvin, at Philadelphia UK, said: “Life is full of moments of intensity, but whatever the occasion, it’s clear that the nation likes to mark it with food.
“With this in mind, we’re bringing the new bold flavours to the UK with a foodie pop-up tour that kicks off in London at Southbank Observation Point.
“People can come down and experience unique flavour combinations, courtesy of the wonderful Gok Wan.”
It also emerged that two-thirds experience these particular feelings of intensity up to several days after the moment has happened.
When it comes to dealing with an intense moment, one in three would prefer to bite into a snack than their nails (14 per cent).
And 32 per cent prefer a crispy texture, while 26 per cent would opt for something creamier, according to the OnePoll.com study.
Commenting on the pop-up restaurant, Gok Wan said: “I love hosting friends and family, especially for stand-out moments in life – so getting involved with the pop-up tour is right up my street.
“I want to help people elevate intense occasions, and encourage them to take a moment to enjoy them.”
TOP 15 INTENSE EVERYDAY MOMENTS:
- Moving house
- A break-up/divorce
- Buying a property
- Your wedding day
- A family feud
- Proposing to your partner/getting proposed to
- Watching your team play in a make-or-break match
- Getting a promotion
- Falling over in public
- Getting a pet
- Meeting your celebrity crush or idol
- The series finale of your favourite show
- Sending a message to the wrong WhatsApp chat
- Watching a sex scene in a TV show/film with your parents/children
- Finding some forgotten money in your pocket
