Top 20 mishaps of modern life – including sending a text to the wrong person

The most common mishaps of modern life include sending a text to the wrong person, and mistaking a stranger for someone you know – only after you have greeted them. A poll of 2,000 adults found washing and shrinking your clothes, forgetting about a meal which was cooking and ruining it, and trying to unlock someone else’s car, are other innocent mistakes.

Prepping a meal for work but then leaving it at home, and forgetting to cancel unwanted subscriptions you never use, also ranked among the top mishaps.

Unfortunately, 16 percent have forgotten about plans and failed to turn up at an event, while 11 percent have dropped their book while reading in the bath.

Ursula Gibbs, director at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new mishap-prone character, Carl the Wombat, said: “These misfortunes are a part of life, and we can all make them.

“Whether it’s getting the wrong currency for a holiday, or booking a train for the wrong time, many of us can relate.

“Our findings show it can happen to anyone, and everyone can relate to making a mishap.”

The research also found the typical adult suffers from 84 mishaps a year – more than once a week .

And 31 percent admitted to doing the same thing on more than one occasion.

The most common places for mishaps to occur are in your own home (17 percent), at work (17 percent), and in the supermarket (nine percent).

In the pub (seven percent) and on holiday (seven percent) also ranked among the top five.

But while 45 percent of people have laughed about their mishap, 21 percent felt they have learnt something from it.

It also emerged 87 percent think mistakes and mishaps are simply an inevitable part of life – no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

And 22 percent said the strongest emotion they feel when they see others suffer a similar fate is empathy.

Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) even feel the innocent mishaps should be celebrated, as they’re a part of what makes us human.

Of those who usually try to speak to someone about their mishap, 52 percent chat to their partner, while 44 percent speak to their mum or relatives, and 38 percent go to their friends.

Ursula Gibbs, director at Compare the Market, added: “No-one is able to avoid making a mistake or two, as it’s a part of life.

“But it’s great to see so many people feel they have learned from their experience, and been able to laugh about it afterwards.

“Our new character, Carl the Wombat, is no stranger to a mishap, with his well-intentioned decisions not quite working out for him.

“But as our results show, innocent mishaps are an inevitable and positive part of life and learning.”