Creatures of habitat: brits admit they hate staying at other people’s houses

• Three quarters of Brits hate staying with other people according to new study

Three quarters of unsociable Brits admit they hate staying at other people's houses, according to a new study by Currys PC World.

The in-depth study - entitled The Great Indoors - by the retailer, which delves into the lifestyles and aspirations of 5,000 British adults, revealed that as a nation, we are creatures of habitat, who would rather stay in the familiarity and comfort of our own homes, rather than with friends or family.

20 percent admit they don't like showering in other people's bathrooms, 42 percent admitted they felt uncomfortable sleeping in strange beds and a further one in ten said they are a "bag of nerves" the whole time.

Having to change WiFi settings on your phone, not being able to work other people's TVs and sound systems and having no mobile phone signal, also emerged as reasons why we prefer being at home.

Having to drink different milk, not having a power shower and having a useless hairdryer were other -slightly more unusual - gripes the study revealed by the UK's leading electrical retailer.

The survey showed that 76 percent of Brits would rather pay for a hotel for the night than descend on relatives or friends.

Matt Walburn, Brand and Communications Director, Currys PC World said: "Brits really are creatures of habit. Staying away from home can be a big deal for some people and having to fit in with another family's ways can be an inconvenience. Technology seems to be a major bone of contention when staying at someone else's house - whether it's missing your favourite TV channels or your preferred TV remote, a poor phone signal or not having access to WiFi."

Relatives you barely know and in-laws were voted as the worst people to have to stay overnight with, but 15 percent said it was your boss or colleagues.

However, six in ten of those surveys said their parents' house was the only place they didn't mind sleeping over as they count it as their second home.

Of the 5,000 adults questioned, 59 percent said they hate having overnight guests. The main reason being they don't like to have their privacy invaded.

But 21 percent said they hate making small talk and 23 percent like to watch what they choose on the telly.
More than a third grumbled that they had to tidy the house when people came to stay and 15 percent hate all the laundry that needs to be done when entertaining guests overnight.

16 percent hate it when visitors hog the TV and one in ten moans about them 'crowding' their WiFi. Nearly a quarter feel guests over step the mark when they help themselves to food from the fridge.

REASONS BRITONS HATE STAYING AT OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES

I never sleep well in a strange place / I have a routine I like to stick to / I hate the awkwardness / I hate showering in other people's houses / I hate the thought of sharing a bathroom / I can't watch what I want to watch on telly / I go to bed early and I can't do that in other people's houses / They are house-proud and I am on my best behaviour constantly / I am a bag of nerves the whole time / I hate eating other people's food / I hate the thought of them catching me in a state of undress / I go to be very late and I can't do that in other people's houses / I hate smokers / They fuss over me too much / I must smoke outside / I take ages to get ready and I hate doing that in someone else's house / You can't be touchy - feely with your other half / I must be careful not to swear / Their internet connection is so slow / They never know their WIFI password / They don't watch sport / I hate pets / You can't row properly with your other half / They drink a different milk to me / I can't work their TV / I only drink bottled water and most people drink tap water / I can never get a phone signal / My children always behave badly / They don't have many channels on their TV / They don't have a power shower / My partner embarrasses me / They don't have HD TV Their hair dryer is useless

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For more information, please visit www.currys.co.uk

Notes to editors

For press enquiries, please contact: curryspcworld@mcsaatchi.com

About Dixons Carphone

Dixons Carphone plc is Europe's leading specialist electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over 41,000 people in nine countries. Focused on helping customers navigate the connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive range of electrical and mobile products, connectivity and expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and Team Knowhow. Dixons Carphone's primary brands include Carphone Warehouse and CurrysPCWorld in the UK & Ireland, Elkjøp, Elkjøp Phonehouse, Elgiganten, Elgiganten Phone House, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of UK airports as well as Dublin and Oslo. Our key service brands include Team Knowhow in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, and Geek Squad in the UK & Ireland. Business-to-business (B2B) services are provided through Connected World Services, CurrysPCWorld Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected World Services aims to leverage the Group's existing expertise, operating processes and technology to provide a range of services to businesses.