Over half of Brits want to speak to more strangers in public to build their friendship circle but struggle, as socialising expert shares top tips
- ‘Break a bar to break the ice’ says socialising expert, as chocolate tops nation’s list as best food to share to strike up a conversation (38 percent).
- One in four Brits report feeling lonely, with friendships decreasing as Brits get older.
A recent study conducted by NOMO has uncovered a startling friendship crisis sweeping the nation, with two in three Brits wanting more friends and one in 10 being completely friendless.
The situation is even worse in some areas like the East Midlands, where over 14 percent of people report not having a single friend. Even 70 percent of Londoners, who are reported to have the most friends, are still hoping to strike up more conversation with strangers in public.
The numbers show that friendships dramatically decrease as Brits get older, with the average Gen Zer (16-24 years) having 20 close friends, 25-34 year olds having 17, 45-54 year old’s having 13 and over 55s reporting 11.
One in four Brits say they struggle with feelings of loneliness, with a fifth saying they struggle to make new friends – with millennials in particular (20 percent) finding it hard to gather enough friends for social occasions.
It comes as, over half of Brits said they want to talk to more people in public – with Gen Zers (16-24 years) keenest on the idea (79 percent), but also the most likely to get nervous (28 percent).
In general, one in five Brits feel held back by social anxiety when talking to new people and 20 percent struggle with small talk, suggesting socially-starved Brits need a hand to break the ice.
Talking about the weather, asking for help, making a light-hearted jokes, paying someone a compliment and offering to share something all emerged as top ways Brits have struck up successful conversations with a stranger.
However, it was chocolate that topped the list as the best food to share as a conversation starter (38 percent) – it was also voted as Brit’s favourites gift to receive for a little lift (45 percent). Beating flowers (29 percent), coffee (24 percent) and books (23 percent).
It comes as socialising expert and author, Max Dickins, revealed offering food as one of the best tactics to help strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know.
Known for his exploration of male loneliness in Billy No-Mates: How I Realised Men Have a Friendship Problem, Max has shared his top tips for expanding your social circle, following his experience being unable to find a best man for his wedding.
Max who has teamed up with vegan and free from chocolate brand NOMO, as it launches its newest XL chocolate bar range, commented, “People want to reach out and build friendships but, as the stats show, social anxiety and other barriers make it tough. Food has always been an excellent medium to connect with more people so sharing products is a really simple but effective way to help break the ice and encourage more natural connections. Pick a food that everyone can enjoy, for example NOMO’s XL range is free-from dairy, gluten, eggs and nuts, so it can be enjoyed regardless of food allergies, intolerances or lifestyle choices.”
“Along with sharing a bar of chocolate to break the ice, I’d recommend looking for things you have in common – it’s the easiest way to spark a conversation. And give thoughtful compliments – it disarms people!’
The places Brits believe are the best for striking up a conversation with a person they didn’t know were in a coffee queue (25 percent), during a dog walk (22 percent), on public transport (20 percent), as you’re walking (19 percent), waiting areas (17 percent), and volunteering (16 percent).
NOMO’s XL bar aims to unite Brits looking for more connections, even those with allergies who are often excluded from sharing snacks with friends and will soon hit major retailers in three flavours – Caramel Filled, Chocolate Fudge filled and Cookie Dough Filled.
Speaking on the new range, Senior Brand Manager at NOMO, Tara Stevens has said “The new NOMO XL bar is designed to be shared – and is our way of encouraging those moments of connection that can make a big difference, especially for those who might feel left out due to dietary restrictions.”
The NOMO XL chocolate bars are now available in major supermarket stores and online.
INSERT MAX’S TOP TIPS FOR SOCIALISING:
1. Break the ice with chocolate – it’s a natural way to make a connection and it immediately gives you something to talk about.
2. Find what you have in common – it’s the easiest way to spark conversation.
3. If you find small talk nerve wracking, focus on being interested rather than being interesting. Listen well and ask lots of questions.
4. Give compliments – it cheers people up! But try and make them as specific as possible so it seems more personal.
5. Rediscover a playground mindset: assume the other person will like you (because they probably will!)