Thumbs up - Brits say "yes" twice as many times as they say "no" - new research reveals
BRITS SAY “YES” TWICE AS MANY TIMES AS THEY SAY “NO”, WITH A SLICE OF CAKE OR A BISCUIT IN THE OFFICE, MEETING A FRIEND FOR A DRINK, A SIDE OF CHIPS WITH YOUR STEAK – AND HELPING SOMEONE MOVE HOUSE, AMONG A LIST OF THINGS WE NO LONGER SAY NO TO
New research reveals that the average Briton says “yes” 13 times every day, and “no” just six times, with 82 percent saying they are now more likely to give things the thumbs up than down in their daily lives.
A whopping 87 percent insist that it’s best to live life to the full, with over a third (39 percent) admitting that events during recent years have made them more likely to say “yes” in general, as life is for living.
And three quarters (76 percent) confess they’re far more likely to say “yes” to new opportunities than they would have been three years ago.
The research, commissioned by Fibre One, also reveals the things that modern Brits are likely to say “yes” to - from coffee with a friend in need (55 percent) and meeting up with old friends you haven’t seen in years (54 percent) and whipped cream and marshmallows in your hot chocolate (33 percent).
Other things we readily say “yes” to include when a slice of cake or biscuit is offered to us (54 percent), a spontaneous or naughty trip away (52 percent), a romantic stroll in the park with our other half (51 percent) or a cheeky side of chips with our steak (49 percent).
Also to make the list of opportunities to seize with both hands were saying “yes” to a film our other half is desperate to watch (49 percent), a delicious doughnut (47 percent), and helping a friend move house, even if it’s a pain (45 percent).
We’re also more likely to say “yes” to a trip abroad or a mini break (45 percent), walking rather than using the car or bus (45 percent) and to enjoying an extra sweet treat of a flake in our ice cream (44 percent).
When it comes to why the nation is optimistic, one in two (53 percent) admit they try to have a positive attitude, while 41 percent say the pandemic made them realise life is too short to say “no” to things you want.
Four in ten (41 percent) confess that these days, they are simply more relaxed, while 36 percent prioritise their mental health. And over a third (36 percent) are simply trying to be kinder to others.
So, it’s hardly surprising that more than two thirds of the nation (67 percent) wish they could feel less guilty about saying “yes” to certain things, especially sweet treats.
Helene Henderson, Senior Brand Experience manager at Fibre One, which commissioned the research said: “This research reveals what Brits like to say “yes” to, whether that’s an extra hour in bed or indulging in a delicious doughnut for a sweet treat. It’s clear to see that the nation is full of optimists, with over half having a positive attitude to life. At Fibre One, we believe in saying YES to the things you love in life and it's time to celebrate those feel-good moments, without sacrificing the food you love!'
The research of 2,000 Britons reveals that one in two (53 percent) believe that saying “yes” can open up new opportunities and experiences.
And 38 percent admit that they regret saying “no” to previous opportunities in life, whether that was not letting your kids do certain things, even if they just wanted to have fun (32 percent), saying “no” to a job offer which would have given them a big change in direction (30 percent) or turning down the holiday of a lifetime (29 percent).
THE THINGS THAT MODERN BRITS ARE SAYING “YES” TO
To coffee with a friend in need 55%
To meeting up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while 54%
To an extra hour in bed 54%
To a slice of cake or a biscuit in the office 54%
To spontaneous trips and activities 52%
To a romantic walk in the park with your other half 51%
To a side of chips with your steak 49%
To watching a film your other half is desperate to see 49%
To a doughnut 47%
To walking instead of using the car or getting the bus 45%
To spontaneous trips abroad and mini breaks 45%
To helping a friend, move house, even if it’s a pain 45%
To a flake and sauce on your ice cream 44%
To brunch with pals 42%
To a quick drink at your local 41%
When your kids or other half fancy a takeaway 40%
To a glass of wine after a long day 39%
To getting dressed up for a date night 36%
To learning a new skill or taking a night class 33%
To whipped cream and marshmallows on your hot chocolate 33%