Spending time with loved ones tops list of ‘non-negotiable’ everyday pleasures
Over a quarter of Brits (27%) feel their social life has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis – but still view quality time with loved ones, and seeing friends, as non-negotiable parts of their everyday life.
More than half of adults (55%) feel their lifestyle has been impacted by rising prices, with 85% having to make adjustments to their daily lives – leaving 45% feeling their personal lives have taken a hit.
But, of those who have made adjustments, 63% are still making sure to set money aside to continue enjoying life’s little pleasures, such as reading a book, eating out once in a while – and good quality toilet paper.
Other “non-negotiable” items or activities that Brits refuse to go without include owning a car, going for long walks, getting a haircut, and enjoying some “me time”, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.
And watching a film ranked at number 10 in the list – with one in six respondents still making time for a trip to the cinema at least once a month.
The research was commissioned by Vue Entertainment to coincide with its Super Saver tickets – available for under a fiver when booked online – being offered for use at more of its screenings than ever before.
![And reading books ranked second on the list of things Brits would not compromise on](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/article30056380.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_SWNS_BRIT_BOOSTS_02.jpg)
(Image: SWNS)
A spokesman from the big screen entertainment operator said: “It has been interesting to see what pleasures and treats people are still choosing to prioritise, even though many are cutting back on luxuries at the moment.
“The research has revealed a real variation of responses, but also how many of these are because they provide a real boost in difficult times.
“And the stats also show how many of these boosts aren’t big things, but it’s the small everyday treats that keep people going.”
It emerged that respondents have an average of four “non negotiables”, with 42% believing they’re important for mental health, while a third said life would be more boring without them.
And 61% get a real boost from little pleasures, with 43% believing these to be more impactful now at a time when money is tight.
It also emerged 29% now place more value on everyday occurrences since the cost-of-living crisis began.
![Vue cinema is now offering Super Saver tickets for under a fiver at more of its screenings than ever before](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/life-style/article30056509.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1229054555.jpg)
(Image: Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/Getty Images)
And 53% of those polled, via OnePoll, would be inclined to watch films on the big screen were there a reduction to ticket prices at certain times.
Screen and sound quality, as well as comfortable seats, were what people enjoy most about going to the cinema, with a quarter enjoying the opportunity to completely switch off.
And it’s a family affair for 31%, who take their children – while 58% go with their partner.
The spokesman from Vue Entertainment added: “The main “non-negotiable” for those responding to the survey was spending time with loved ones, with a sense of community and “me time” also being on the list.
“The big screen can provide all of these and more – not to mention people’s desire to watch the latest films, a pleasure that features in the top 10 responses.
“We want to ensure that people can still enjoy a trip to our venues, and can do so on a budget that suits them.”
BRITS’ TOP 40 “NON-NEGOTIABLES”:
- Spending time with loved ones
- Reading books
- Owning a car
- Going for long walks
- Eating out once in a while
- Me time
- Seeing friends
- Haircuts
- Good quality toilet roll
- Watching films
- Cooking myself a treat
- Exploring nearby places
- Having a good smartphone
- Trips to the beach
- Buying a certain brand of chocolate
- My favourite takeaway
- Going to the pub
- Branded baked beans
- Buying makeup
- Following my favourite football team
- Trips to the cinema
- Using the tumble dryer
- Branded ketchup
- A glass of something fizzy on a Friday night
- Sports channel subscription
- Music subscription e.g. Spotify
- Branded mayonnaise
- Going for runs
- Going to gigs
- Gym membership
- Organic fruit and vegetables
- Writing in a journal
- Going camping
- Practicing yoga
- Video game subscription
- Magazine subscription
- Getting my nails done
- Going wild swimming
- Buying vinyl records
- Posh milk