SURPRISING THING BRITS SAY MAKES THEM FEEL RICH IN LIFE - AND IT'S NOT MONEY

Forget fat pay packets, flashy motors, and thousands of Insta followers, the secret to feeling truly rich in life is having friends who cheer you on, a partner who is your best friend and Sunday nights that don't fill you with dread. Six-figure salaries, luxury cars and thousands of Instagram followers are no longer the biggest signs of success, according to a new nationwide study.

Instead, Britons say the richest life is one filled with strong friendships, good health and everyday moments of happiness - with two thirds (64%) believing life's little joys matter far more than money or social media fame.

The research, by HARIBO, found making people laugh (30%), having a best friend that you trust with your life (30%), having given a pet a happy and secure home (29%) and having teens who actually like spending time with you (23%) are other signs you're rich in life.

While being able to enjoy a holiday every year (26%) and eating out twice a week (17%) were seen as signs of success, they were comfortably beaten by being someone who treats others with kindness (64%), staying healthy (59%) and surrounding yourself with people who are always in your corner (43%).

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Brits now rank having real friends who celebrate their successes above social media likes (38%), while having a personal cheerleader is seen as a greater sign of success than having savings (30%).

For many, feeling successful means knowing there is someone to call in a crisis (27%), having children who tell you about their day (34%) and having a partner who is also your best friend (31%).

More than half (51%) believe the meaning of a rich and successful life has changed over the past 20 years, with 57% agreeing it's now less about what's sitting in your bank account.

Overall, almost nine in ten Brits (85%) say they already consider themselves rich in life.

It doesn't take much to lift people's spirits either, with 70% saying a small word of encouragement can completely turn their day around. Meanwhile, 27% say recognition from friends and family means more than praise from their boss.

Three quarters (75%) believe it's important to celebrate the little wins in life and have someone by your side cheering you on, whatever the achievement. Around six in ten (61%) say they already have someone who always celebrates their successes, with partners (52%), mums (38%) and best friends (34%) topping the list.

And those small moments of happiness don't stop at home. Half of Brits (50%) say something as simple as receiving a smile or hearing a friendly "hello" during their commute makes life feel richer.

To celebrate everyday efforts and little wins, HARIBO has launched its "Here for a Cheer!" tour - bringing moments of recognition, little rewards and plenty of cheer to communities across the UK this summer.

Philip Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer & MD at HARIBO, said: "Success means different things to different people, but our research shows that having people to cheer you on and celebrate everyday wins, no matter how small, is what helps people feel fulfilled.

"Whether it's reaching a major milestone, achieving a personal goal or simply making it through a tough day, everyone deserves a little recognition."

Residents of Newcastle (41%) were the most likely to say they regularly celebrate the achievements of friends, family and colleagues, earning the city the title of the UK's most supportive city.

The findings also reveal just how far traditional status symbols have fallen out of favour, with flashy purchases, social media popularity and impressive job titles all ranking well behind strong relationships, good health and feeling connected to the people around you.

You treat others with kindness - 64%

You're in good health - 59%

You can admit your mistakes - 46%

You have friends who always cheer you on - 43%

You celebrate other people's successes without resentment - 42%

You don't need to win every argument - 40%

You don't rely on social media 'likes' for validation - 38%

Your kids feel secure and loved - 37%

You feel comfortable in your own skin - 35%

You can be entirely yourself around your loved ones - 34%

Your children tell you about their day - 34%

You have a group of very close friends - 32%

Your partner is your best friend - 31%

You have a bit of cash saved - 30%

You make people laugh - 30%

You have a best friend that you trust with your life - 30%

You've given your pet a happy, secure home - 29%

You sleep well most nights - 29%

There is someone you could call at 2am in an emergency - 27%

You have at least one holiday a year - 26%

Sunday evenings don't fill you with dread - 23%

You have a healthy diet - 23%

Your teens like spending time with you - 23%

You rarely compare yourself to others - 22%

You wake up looking forward to the day ahead - 21%

2026-07-05T16:47:38Z