Old friends more grateful to receive a message than we expect, study finds

The more of a surprise a message is, the greater the appreciation the recipient feels, according to the study. Photograph: Nick David/Getty Images

It has happened to us all: sitting on the sofa, toying with the idea of sending an old friend an unexpected text, but worrying that a message out of the blue may seem weird, intrusive or just plain unwelcome.

However, research suggests such fears are unfounded, with those on the receiving end often far more grateful than the sender may expect.