The Christmas conversations UK adults dread most
Politics, sex and money were all named as awkward topics
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Your support makes all the difference.The conversations we’re dreading this Christmas have been revealed - including “have you put on weight?” and “what’s happening in your love life?”
Of the 2,000 adults who were polled, 32 per cent expect to be interrogated by relatives - and aren’t looking forward to it.
Other eye-rolling topics include “when are you going to have a baby?”, “have you found yourself a nice partner yet?”, and “why aren’t you married?”
And those polled aren’t looking forward to these questions with good reason as 57 per cent said they get asked them every year.
The survey was commissioned by Samsung KX after the tech brand partnered with comedian and TikTok star Abi Clarke to bring the awkward Christmas conversations to life through a series of sketches.
Abi Clarke said: “I always like to make sketches that people can share and tag each other in, and the festive season is a time where we can all relate to similar observations and annoyances.
“There’s at least one character we can all recognise, whether it’s an old school friend trying to find the perfect baby picture - that you never asked to see, or the fitness fanatic showing off their running routes.”
The study also found that almost a quarter don’t enjoy small talk over the festive period – with 41 per cent feeling ‘awkward’ and ‘embarrassed’ when being quizzed on their love life.
For 39 per cent, sex is the topic they’d most want to avoid, followed by their love life, politics and money.
While 21 per cent would rather leave Covid-19 chats behind over the festive season, too.
A further 15 per cent get uncomfortable when answering questions about their career.
But almost half admit conversations with friends or relatives on such topics often end up in disagreements.
A quarter claim going for a walk helps them to cope with these confrontations, but 21 per cent would rather opt for an alcoholic beverage.
The in-laws are the most annoying to be around at Christmas, followed closely by mums and siblings.
And 33 per cent feel uncomfortable meeting up with friends from home but still do it every year.
The most dreaded topics of conversation with old friends include politics, sex and money, while one in six hate being shown photos of other people’s children.
Previous awkward moments at Christmas include disliking a gift but pretending to like it, having a family argument and having to laugh at a really bad joke.
But while family feuds might be a common occurrence, 48 per cent are looking forward to Christmas more than last year.
And the study carried out through OnePoll found the majority would prefer to spend it with those they often argue with rather than on their own.
Ashrita Seshadri, from Samsung UK, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Abi Clarke to bring to life some of the nation’s anticipated awkward conversations.
“And get people laughing together this Christmas, finding joy in those silly, relatable moments we all experience every year.”
SWNS
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