A new survey of 2,000 British adults has found that eight in 10 people deliberately avoid spontaneous plans, with perfectionism playing a significant role in their reluctance. The research, commissioned by appliance brand Hotpoint as part of its "Just Come Over" Season, reveals that adults prefer at least a week's notice for social engagements.
Key Findings on Planning Preferences
Nearly half of respondents (45%) said they avoid last-minute plans because they do not want to feel rushed, while others cited a desire to maintain control over their schedule or a lack of motivation. Two-thirds (63%) confessed they favour planning ahead over being impulsive. For 17%, the stress of ensuring everything is "perfect" is the primary reason they avoid impromptu gatherings.
Women are more likely than men to make excuses to dodge last-minute plans, with 42% of women admitting to doing so compared to 32% of men. Additionally, 29% of adults will not invite people over at short notice due to concerns about their home being untidy, and 23% have pretended not to be home rather than answer the door.
Desire for More Spontaneity
Despite these habits, 23% of respondents said they would like to be more spontaneous, and 21% believe it would make life more enjoyable. Dr Angharad Rudkin, a clinical psychologist who worked with Hotpoint on the research, commented: "What's exciting about the research is what it reveals about appetite, not just avoidance – people actively want to be more spontaneous, and most already sense it would make us happier."
Dr Rudkin added: "The barrier isn't desire, it's small, fixable habits: feeling rushed, or believing that a home needs to be 'ready' before anyone's invited round. I'd encourage letting go of those habits - and it doesn't take much, saying yes to a last-minute invite, or accepting that your home doesn't need to be perfect, can genuinely shift how connected and fulfilled life feels."
Gender Differences in Spontaneity
The research also highlighted gender differences in what would encourage spontaneity. More than a quarter of women (28%) said having a neat home would help them feel more spontaneous, compared to 19% of men. Similarly, 26% of women claimed having refreshments prepared would encourage impromptu plans, versus 19% of men. Women were also more likely to feel capable of being spontaneous when their home was functioning smoothly (23%), compared to 18% of men.
Kimberley Garner from Hotpoint said: "We've seen 115 years' worth of spontaneous hosting, and this research shows just how much pressure people put on themselves before they'll open their front door. Just Come Over Season is about giving the nation the confidence to say yes at short notice – because some of the best get-togethers are the ones nobody planned."
