A quarter of Brits make social plans with no intention of ever attending, finds study
More than a quarter (26 per cent) of Brits admit to saying yes to a social invitation despite having absolutely no intention of attending, according to a new study.
As a result around one third of social plans that are made actually never happen.
Although there is a generational difference between plan-making with 16 per cent of 35-54 year olds saying they would never cancel plans compared to 13 per cent of 18-34 year olds.
As a nation, we apparently spend 23.9 million hours a week making social plans yet nearly half (43 per cent) of people confess they prefer a night in.
The study by Privilege Insurance also found the most commonly used excuses for bailing on plans: feeling ill (25 per cent have used this reason), a family commitment (27 per cent), work crisis (17 per cent), pet illness or diary clash.
The other most common reasons, indicated by the survey of 2,000 people, were attending a sports fixture at the same time, a broken down car or a household emergency.
Christian Mendes, Head of Privilege Home Insurance, said: "Our lives are busier than ever so it's understandable why so many of us are cancelling plans to enjoy some much-needed downtime.
"The research shows a large majority of us are unwilling to succumb to the social pressures of going out when in fact we'd rather stay at home.
"Whilst it's important to maintain relationships with friends, it's healthy to see we're putting our own happiness first."
The survey found women are more reliable than men: they make it to 63 per cent of all social gatherings whereas men only make 58 per cent.
However, 27 per cent of women say they would skip going out if they were worried about not having the money to do so.
The hassle of getting ready is also a factor in women cancelling plans, with 12 per cent saying sometimes they just can't be bothered.
