Food delivery, buses, and pregnancy test results: These are all things that you generally don't want to wait for.
But, it turns out that waiting a while for something (see: not those things) could make you happier and makes you enjoy it much more. In a new study published in the journal Psychological Science, people who anticipated the purchase of an experience were happier and less impatient than those thinking about buying a material object. Participants waiting to do the experience they bought were also happier than those who were waiting on the arrival of the material goods they purchased.
In light of those super-interesting findings, we bring you seven situations that are oh-so much better when the anticipation is, wait for it, killing you (in a good way).
Getting Out of Town
Whether it's your dream tour of Europe or a road trip with your girlfriends, looking forward to leaving all your stress and the office behind can be as refreshing as the trip itself.
Having Sex with the Really Hot Guy You've Been Dating
Because you can use all that pent-up sexual frustration once he gets naked. Enjoy the show, friend.
Your Big Day
Don't get us wrong: If you're a spur-of-the-moment type of girl who wants to get hitched at City Hall, that is fantastic. But if not, there's something about planning a wedding to the point of exhaustion that makes it even more exciting when it arrives.
The Release of That Awesome-Sounding Book
Remember how pumped you were for the next Harry Potter book to be released? As soon as it came out, you spent three solid days reading--only stopping for food and the occasional bathroom break. You'll never have a first time with HP again, but this other book could totally be worth the wait.
Your First Glimpse of the Royal Baby (Part Two)
The bundle of joy isn't due for months and months, which means we'll have plenty of time to admire Kate's pregnancy hair, maternity wardrobe, and (oh please, oh please) coo at photos of Prince George touching his mom's belly.
Fridays
How could you appreciate how much of a beautiful thing a Friday is without having to wait for it? All. Week. Long.
Watching the New Season of Orange is the New Black
Or, really, any Netflix series of choice. You wait months for the next batch of episodes, then watch about 13 hours of guilty-pleasure goodness in 48 hours. It's way more fun when you can binge-watch.
More from Women's Health:
7 Things You Should Always Say 'Yes' To
5 Life Moves You Should Never Try to Plan Out
What to Do in the Morning to Be Happier All Day
8 Times You Definitely Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Saying No