At a Glance:
Guilty pleasures are those indulgences we often enjoy in secret, sometimes with a hint of embarrassment. But you’re not alone—many of these habits are surprisingly common. Discover 25 relatable guilty pleasure examples that prove we all have our little quirks.
What Are Guilty Pleasures?
Guilty pleasure examples are the small joys in life that bring us comfort, even if we don’t proudly admit to them. Whether it’s binge-watching reality shows, eating junk food at midnight, or obsessively checking horoscopes, guilty pleasures are deeply personal—and incredibly common. These moments offer a sense of escape and joy, even when they might not align with our ideal self-image.
Let’s explore some of the most popular guilty pleasure examples that people across the globe secretly enjoy.
1. Binge-Watching Reality TV Shows
Reality TV tops the list of guilty pleasure examples for many. Whether it’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Love Island, or The Bachelor, millions find comfort in watching unscripted drama unfold on screen. It’s a way to switch off and immerse in someone else’s chaotic life.
2. Eating an Entire Tub of Ice Cream
You told yourself just one scoop—but suddenly, you’re scraping the bottom of the tub. This classic example of a guilty pleasure comes from the soothing effect of comfort food, especially when paired with a cozy blanket and a movie night.
3. Listening to Cheesy Pop Music
You might claim to prefer indie rock or jazz, but somehow you know every word to Britney Spears’ Toxic or a Taylor Swift breakup anthem. Singing along to catchy pop tunes is one of those guilty pleasure examples that unites people across generations.
4. Watching Kids’ Cartoons as an Adult
Many adults secretly enjoy revisiting animated shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Adventure Time, or Avatar: The Last Airbender. These nostalgic guilty pleasure examples often bring back simpler, happier times.
5. Reading Trashy Romance Novels
The literary world might rave about the classics, but there’s a dedicated fan base for steamy romance novels with dramatic plots. Guilty pleasure examples like these prove that sometimes, entertainment is more important than critical acclaim.
6. Social Media Stalking
Admit it—you’ve deep-dived into someone’s Instagram or Facebook history at least once. This slightly sneaky habit is one of the more modern guilty pleasure examples we rarely admit to, yet almost everyone does it.
7. Singing in the Shower
Singing like you’re on The Voice while shampooing your hair is a universal guilty pleasure. Whether it’s show tunes, love ballads, or classic rock, it’s your private concert moment.
8. Rewatching the Same Movie Over and Over
Whether it’s Mean Girls, The Notebook, or Harry Potter, rewatching your favorite movie for the tenth—or hundredth—time is one of the most comforting guilty pleasure examples out there.
9. Late-Night Fast Food Runs
Midnight cravings often lead to spontaneous trips to McDonald’s or Taco Bell. While not the healthiest habit, these late-night indulgences often make for some of the most delicious guilty pleasure examples.
10. Watching ASMR Videos
Soft whispers, tapping sounds, and gentle brushing noises—ASMR has taken over YouTube. Many use it to relax, though they might feel awkward admitting it. It’s a perfect example of a digital-age guilty pleasure.
11. Playing Silly Mobile Games
Candy Crush, 2048, or any endless runner game can become a serious time suck. Guilty pleasure examples like these offer a simple, mindless escape from daily responsibilities.
12. Following Celebrity Gossip
Even those who claim they don’t care about Hollywood drama often know about celebrity breakups, baby announcements, or red-carpet mishaps. Sites like TMZ and social media gossip pages fuel this guilty pleasure.
13. Drinking Straight from the Carton
There’s something rebellious about skipping the glass and drinking straight from the milk or juice carton. It might not be polite, but it’s undeniably satisfying.
14. Sleeping in Late on Weekends
Who doesn’t love the luxury of sleeping until noon on a Sunday? It’s one of the few guilt-free guilty pleasure examples—especially if you’ve had a long week.
15. Watching Cringeworthy TikToks
Scrolling through TikTok for hours and laughing at silly or over-the-top content is a modern guilty pleasure that’s addictive and oddly satisfying.
16. Retail Therapy (a.k.a. Impulse Shopping)
Clicking “Add to Cart” after a stressful day? You’re not alone. Retail therapy, especially online, ranks high among guilty pleasure examples for those who love a quick mood boost.
17. Eating Dessert Before Dinner
Sometimes life’s too short to follow meal rules. Skipping straight to dessert is one of those spontaneous guilty pleasures that sparks joy—if only temporarily.
18. Dancing When No One’s Watching
Whether it’s in your room, in the kitchen, or while vacuuming, dancing with wild abandon when no one’s around is a feel-good guilty pleasure that lifts your spirits instantly.
19. Watching “So Bad It’s Good” Movies
Films like The Room or Sharknado are so hilariously bad that they become cult favorites. Watching these cinematic disasters is one of the funniest guilty pleasure examples around.
20. Daydreaming About Unrealistic Scenarios
Ever imagined bumping into a celebrity, quitting your job in style, or winning the lottery? Guilty pleasure examples don’t get much dreamier than indulging in these fantasy thoughts.
21. Reading Your Old Texts or Emails
Scrolling through past conversations—especially the awkward or emotional ones—is a strange but oddly comforting guilty pleasure that many experience.
22. Taking Forever to Choose a Netflix Show
Spending more time scrolling through titles than actually watching something is an underrated guilty pleasure. It’s all part of the fun.
23. Gossiping with Friends
Though it’s not exactly virtuous, gossiping is one of the oldest guilty pleasure examples out there. Whether it’s workplace drama or pop culture tea, sharing stories builds bonds.
24. Playing Dress-Up in Front of the Mirror
Trying on outfits, shoes, or makeup just for fun—even if you’re not going anywhere—is a form of self-expression that feels both personal and playful.
25. Procrastinating (on Purpose)
Sometimes, avoiding responsibilities by doing literally anything else (cleaning, scrolling, napping) is a guilty pleasure we justify as “productive procrastination.”
Why Guilty Pleasures Matter
Despite the name, guilty pleasure examples aren’t necessarily bad. They give us moments of escapism, joy, and even creativity. In a high-pressure world where we’re constantly expected to be productive and polished, guilty pleasures offer a welcome pause.
How to Embrace Your Guilty Pleasures
If you recognize yourself in some of these guilty pleasure examples, that’s a good thing! Embracing what makes you happy—even if it’s a little embarrassing—can actually improve your mental health. The key is balance. Enjoy your pleasures, but don’t let them interfere with your goals.
Here are a few tips to make peace with your guilty pleasures:
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Acknowledge them without shame.
You’re not the only one who watches cat videos or eats Nutella by the spoonful. -
Limit excess, not joy.
There’s nothing wrong with indulgence, but moderation is key. -
Share your favorites.
Talking about your guilty pleasures often leads to connection—you’d be surprised how many people feel the same.
Final Thoughts
From binge-watching reality TV to impulse shopping sprees, guilty pleasure examples reveal the quirky, human side of all of us. They remind us that not every joy needs to be productive, prestigious, or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, the most meaningful happiness comes from the smallest indulgences.
So go ahead—dance like nobody’s watching, watch that cheesy rom-com, or eat dessert first. Life’s too short not to enjoy your guilty pleasures.
