I've never liked the concept of a bucket list. There's enough pressure on us to do stuff - why add to it with a list of things you absolutely have to do before you die? Of course, there are some bucket lists that really do touch my heart, like that of the British teenager Alice Pyne, who managed to achieve most of what was a sometimes heartbreakingly simple and ordinary list before her death in 2013 (the fact that one was about entering a dog show with her beloved canine friend particularly got to me).
But in general, I'm not a fan of the whole idea. And my opinion didn't change when I read about a new poll revealing the most common bucket list aspirations. According to the poll, conducted by GE Capital Direct 1, most people's bucket lists involve the following dreams:
- 1. See the Northern Lights
- 2. Visit the Grand Canyon
- 3. Visit Niagara Falls
- 4. Round-the-world trip
- 5. Buy a dream house
- 6. Go on safari
- 7. Swim with dolphins
- 8. Visit all Seven New Wonders of the World
- 9. Get married
- 10. Master another language.
Why, seriously, are so many people obsessed with dolphins? I have nothing against them, but I just don't get the burning desire to spend time with them before I die. But like the rest of the list, it's all about boring. Though alas women had more boring bucket lists than men.
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Apparently men were more likely than women to have unusual or outlandish dreams (twice as many men than women wanted to go into space, for example). On the plus side, 52% of women, as opposed to 30% of men, dreamt of carrying out some sort of deed that benefited others. Which made me feel a bit guilty, as, if I were forced to put together a bucket list, it would feature purely selfish things like "get to spend a day dressing up in clothes from various historical periods" and "learn how to train a hawk".
But in a weird sort of way, the poll's list made me count my blessings. I have, bizarrely, actually been on safari, I've got a German degree, I'm married (seriously, I do not view this as one of my greatest achievements) and I do co-own a house, which may not be a dream house but which I do love. Realising that I have done things that other people dream of doing kind of made me appreciate my own privileges and experiences a little bit more .
So what would be on your bucket list? Would you like to see the world or sample some experiences closer to home? Would you like to do good for others or would it be entirely selfish? And if your list features dolphins, please, explain the appeal...
