Brits Go Into 'Social Hibernation' During Winter

NEWS COPY 

Millions of Brits go into 'social hibernation' in winter and are twice as likely to make excuses to avoid a social event than during the summer months, a study has found.

Research into the social lives of 2,000 people looked at the number of events attended and declined in the different seasons.

It found Brits are twice as likely to make excuses to avoid a social event in the winter as they are in the summer.

Results also showed that being able to socialise outdoors has a huge impact on how likely someone will be to attend that event.

The average person admits they decline two invites to go out a month in the winter because they simply can't be bothered.

In fact, two in three Brits admit to making up an excuse to get out of a night out with friends, a dinner party and even a wedding.

But while the sun is shining our social lives improve dramatically and we're twice less likely to decline an invitation, while two thirds of us are far more likely to socialise with friends or family if it is an outdoor event.

Generally being in a happier mood and wanting to make the most of the lighter evenings and nicer weather meaning we are much more likely to take up social invitations during the brighter months.

Jenny Questier from outdoor cleaning experts Jeyes, which commissioned the research, said: "Going out in the winter can often be unappealing – the cold and wet weather coupled with dark nights can make a night in front of the TV seem like the better option.

"However, when you are offered an invite to a summer event, especially an outdoor one, it seems we are much more likely to accept and attend it.

"But even when we are at a summer gathering, it seems there are a number of bugbears that can affect our enjoyment of the event, including wasps and bugs, dirty or broken garden furniture, smelly bins or even pet mess on the patio."

The study found wasps and bugs, bad weather, undercooked food and dirty garden furniture are among the nation’s top pet hates when socialising outdoors.

On the other hand, good food, plenty of room and seats for guests, clean garden furniture and a clean barbecue were considered essentials for hosting the perfect garden party.

The study, of 2,000 adults, revealed 72 per cent reckon they are typically more sociable during the summer months.

Between April and September, the average adult will attend six barbecues, parties and nights out a month - a total of 36 in total during that time.

Of those, 24 will be outdoor events.

However, this drops by a third to just four a month from October to March.

Seventy-one per cent of people put the summer boost in our social diary down to everyone being generally happier, while 68 per cent say the lighter evenings make it easier to go out after work and into the evenings.

Other reasons for socialising more in the summer include it being easier to socialise outside (56 per cent), better chances of nice weather meaning you can plan ahead (44 per cent) and wanting to make the most of the nice weather (42 per cent).

Even after receiving the invites though, researchers found we will decline two of these a month during the winter – compared to just one a month in the summer.

Almost a third have turned down a night out with friends in the winter, while 16 per cent have made excuses to get out of a birthday party.

Others have come up with a reason to decline a date, stag or hen party and even a wedding invite during the winter months.

‘I’m ill’ was found to be the most common excuse used to get out of a social event, followed by ‘I’ve got something else on’, I can’t afford to go out’ and ‘I have to be in work early/late’.

Jenny Questier, from Jeyes added: "Keeping your outside spaces clean, fresh and looking their best has never been easier. Jeyes has developed a range of specialist outdoor cleaning products to take the pain out of tough cleaning jobs, so you and your guests can enjoy the summer in style."

Top twenty outdoor event pet hates:

1. Wasps/bugs
2. Bad weather
3. Undercooked food
4. Pet mess
5. Smelly bins
6. Dirty glasses
7. Smelly drains
8. Dirty garden furniture
9. Bins next to the seating area
10. Dirty or rusty barbecues
11. Overcooked/burnt food
12. Someone drinking too much
13. Rusty garden furniture
14. Unkempt lawn
15. Dull topics of conversation
16. Broken garden furniture
17. Not having a shaded area to sit in
18. Neighbours shouting over the wall
19. Having to sit on the grass/patio
20. Smoky barbecues

Top ten most important things for outdoor entertaining:

1. Good food
2. Plenty of room for guests to mingle
3. Plenty of places to sit
4. Clean table/garden furniture
5. Clean barbecue
6. A tidy, well-kept lawn
7. A tidy patio/decking area
8. An easy route into the house for the toilet
9. A mix of guests and personalities
10. Good outdoor lighting for the evening

Top ten excuses to turn down a winter event:

1. I’m ill
2. I’ve got something else on
3. I can’t afford to go out
4. I have to be in work early
5. I have to work late
6. I’ve got a headache
7. I’ve got a friend/relative coming to visit
8. I don’t know anyone else who is going
9. I’ve not got a babysitter
10. My child is ill

ENDS