In a society where social anxiety often nudges many towards the comfort of home, it turns out that a considerable number of Britons secretly dread meeting friends.
New research reveals that roughly six in ten admit to feeling a mix of relief and even a hint of joy when plans fall through.
A surprising number confess that when someone cancels, they feel an inner cheer—almost as if the universe has given them a free pass to enjoy a quiet evening.
Just over one in three even feigns disappointment when plans are scrapped, though they’re really savouring the unexpected break.
It isn’t just about dodging the bustle; nearly one in four regularly invents a reason not to meet up, with almost half of those preferring the serenity of their own homes over the demands of a lively social scene.
A classic go-to is to claim you’re coming down with a nasty cold—a line so familiar it’s used by over one in three people. Equally common are fibs about feeling utterly wiped out, being completely broke, or having to burn the midnight oil at work, each echoing the experience of roughly one in three of us.
More dramatic alibis aren’t off the table either. Some invoke food poisoning (about one in eight), a broken down car (roughly one in ten), or even cite sick kids (around one in five) and the rare occasion of attending a funeral (only a small handful).
It seems that inclement weather—with its cold and rainy disposition—plays its part too, as over one in three attribute their change of heart to a dreary day.
The hassle of getting ready and a depleted social battery similarly convince many to retreat indoors. In fact, roughly one in five finds the noise of a crowded pub or restaurant unappealing, while an equal number admits that venturing out socially is simply hard work.
In a playful twist, Just Eat has partnered with TikTok comedian Shabaz Ali to introduce a new ‘Canc-elation’ service.
This innovative tool uses an in-app AI Assistant chatbot to generate instant, often hilarious excuses to gracefully bow out of plans. As Shabaz Ali, Just Eat’s Canc-elation King and TikTok Comedian, puts it: “I’m totally guilty of last minute-flaking, but I’m clearly not the only one.
We’ve all tried to swerve plans with a dodgy excuse, but now you can have a laugh at the same time with our excuse generator, complete with excuses crafted by yours truly. There’s no shame in admitting a night curled up in your hoodie beats a night on the town.”
Top Fib Excuses for Getting Out of Plans (According to Brits) 🇬🇧
| Excuse | Percentage |
|---|---|
| I’m coming down with a nasty cold 🤒 | 37% |
| I’m absolutely shattered and run down 😩 | 34% |
| I am totally skint 💸 | 30% |
| I have to work late 💼 | 29% |
| I have a family commitment I forgot about 👪 | 28% |
| My child is sick 🏥 | 21% |
| I have food poisoning 🤢 | 13% |
| A family member is ill and I need to look after them 🏥 | 9% |
| My car broke down 🚗 | 9% |
| The trains have all been cancelled 🚆 | 8% |
| I have a dentist appointment 😬 | 6% |
| I fell over and hurt myself 🤕 | 5% |
| I have a leak at home and I’m waiting for the plumber 🔧 | 4% |
| I have to attend a funeral ⚰️ | 3% |
| I’ve lost my car keys 🔑 | 3% |
The service even comes with a festive bonus—users who type ‘Help me bail’ into the chatbot are in with a chance to win one of a thousand £20 vouchers available from Thursday the 20th through Monday the 24th of March.
It turns out that the allure of a night in reigns supreme for nearly four out of five people. For many, a perfect evening is built around ordering a favourite takeaway, sinking into a comfy sofa, snuggling with a loved one, and perhaps indulging in a bit of chocolate.
Meanwhile, nearly one in three finds that the ideal night might just be enjoyed in the company of one’s own thoughts.
This study not only shines a light on the quirky excuses we all concoct but also offers a window into the modern interplay between social anxiety and the ever-growing appreciation for the comforts of home.
