Nervy Brits too scared to eat in entrance of their accomplice for six months
Some Brits are so uncomfortable about eating in front of their partner that they last a whole six months without ever sharing a meal together
Plenty of Brits are worried about eating in front of their partner(Image: KN/MI )
A fifth of Brits admit they feel uncomfortable going to dinner on a first date – with a skittish 11% avoiding eating in front of their partner for up to SIX MONTHS.
Nearly a fifth (18%) admit they’d feel awkward tackling a first-date dinner with a nervous, and hungry, 11% avoiding sharing a meal for half a year.
In a world where boyfriends are embarrassing and ‘icks’ flood social media, research reveals that the traditional dinner date is being actively dodged by modern daters.
The study from pizzeria brand, PizzaExpress showed around 13% would cancel a date outright if food was suggested, with Gen Z the most likely to bail.
This is a surprising contrast given that almost nine in ten (86%) of the 2,000 adults quizzed describe themselves as romantics. Fears of spilling food or drink (36%) or getting something stuck in their teeth (20%) top the list of date night anxieties.
The research also revealed sitting down to a meal together isn’t just nerve-wracking, it’s a rite of passage.
Many say sharing food feels as revealing as other modern ‘firsts’, like planning your first weekend away together or braving a group date.
With more than half (55%) admitting they’ve deliberately avoided certain dishes to dodge potential embarrassment, when it comes to low-pressure date food pizza topped the list.
It was ranked as the least stressful option thanks to its relaxed, informal nature (58%) and ease of sharing (60%).
The study also showed it’s not just the food that matters, but the setting too.
Busy, casual food spots offered a social safety net, with more than a third (37%) saying they feel most comfortable when surrounded by other people eating, chatting and laughing.
In contrast, a quiet, formal setting was likely to heighten dating jitters, suggesting modern romance isn’t about grand gestures or perfectly planned dates but authenticity and feeling comfortable.
But with 87% of Brits saying that being comfortable eating together is the ultimate sign of a healthy relationship, PizzaExpress is helping love take a bite out of dating nerves this February.
Available from today, its limited-edition Marry Me Chicken pizza is designed to rescue even the most awkward dates, turning first-night jitters into a shared delicious moment.
Inspired by the viral, proposal-inducing recipe, the pizza features a creamy béchamel base with sun-dried tomato, basil and pine-kernel pesto sauce.
This is topped with chicken, spinach, mozzarella, garlic oil and even more pesto, slow-roasted tomatoes, and Gran Milano cheese.
During the month of love, PizzaExpress is encouraging pizza fans to dine out for a special two for £50 meal that includes two starters, two mains and a bottle of wine.
The special offer is available until Monday March 2nd. For more information, visit https://www.pizzaexpress.com/terms-and-conditions/dine-out-2-for-50
