New research by Mentos has revealed the extent to which Britain has become a “cancellation nation” – with one in three admitting they say “yes” to every invite – whether they intend to go or not.
The research which looked at the entire UK with a focus on London found that the majority of Londoners(51 percent) claimed they are usually “too tired” to go out – with a further 36 percent admitting they would simply “rather stay in”.
A staggering one in 10 (12 percent) claimed they would avoid a night out if their “favourite TV programme was on”. And it would appear honesty is not the best policy for the majority of us – with almost 49 percent of Londoners claiming it is “easier to make an excuse” to get out of something. However, this was under the national average of 60%.
Topping the list of excuses was “sickness” – with 54 percent of London residents saying they regularly use illness as a way out of an arrangement.
Other excuses included “I double booked” (23 percent), “I thought it was a different day” (21 percent) and “the children are poorly” (12 percent). One in 10 Brits have even wheeled out the old ‘I’m waiting for a delivery” line.
The ease at which we are now able to cancel was revealed as the main reason for the “cancellation nation” – with 77 percent claiming it is easier to cancel in this day and age because of email, text and messaging apps.
The study also found Londoners are most likely to blow out work colleagues (56 percent), with friends (26 percent) next in line.
A spokesperson for Mentos, who carried out the research of 2,000 Brits said: “Connecting with family and friends is so important in life, as is building new friendships. Often there can be a little nervousness about meeting new people, but at Mentos we want to encourage people to make the first step, as it could lead to a great friendship. Hopefully as Christmas approaches, Brits won’t be double booking themselves, and will end the year on a social high.”
Psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopolous added: “What we all have to remember is that stepping out of our comfort zone and making fresh connections is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. We all need to make the time to say yes because the simple act of getting out and connecting with new, and old friends is so important.”
It also emerged almost half of Londoners (48 percent) will happily say yes to anything to avoid hurting friends’ feelings. Well above the national average of 30 percent.
Fortunately though the report did reveal around five out of 10 (59 percent) do feel guilty when they cancel. Overall the stats show that of the 104 social engagements we agree to each year, we only make 52.
