Fear of missing out: missing special occasions makes women twice as anxious as men

• One in four of us lie to save the embarrassment of a no show or being late
• Being ill is the most popular excuse, used by a third of the population
• One in 10 men worry most about missing a sporting event
   

Women are twice as likely than men to feel anxious if they're running late or miss an important event or occasion, according to new research* by national breakdown provider Green Flag.

Whilst women suffer more than men, nearly three quarters of Brits (72 per cent) revealed that being late or missing a special event, triggers a range of negative emotions including guilt, embarrassment and anxiety.

More than one in four of us (28 per cent) have lied to save embarrassment or hurt feelings for not showing up to events, citing illness as the excuse they used most (32 per cent) with nearly one in ten (nine per cent) pretending that a partner or family member was ill and had to be looked after. Being too busy at work (12 per cent) was the second most common excuse. However, just five per cent of the nation said missing an engagement didn't bother them at all, men made up two thirds of this nonchalant group. 

Proving that we Brits truly are a nation of sports fanatics, the survey of 2,000 British adults reveals more than one in ten (11 per cent) men worry most about missing an important sporting event or fixture.

Over two thirds (69 per cent) of Brits would take a day off work to attend a sporting event, while one in three (31 per cent) claim they'd go all night without sleep if that were what it took to make a match. The research estimates that nearly two million Brits would spend over £1,000 to get to a game they hold dear to their hearts.

Mike Bowman, Director of Green Flag, commented: "As the research shows, missing events or being late can have an emotional impact on both men and women, whether it’s a World Cup match or a friend’s wedding.  There are some events that people cannot stand to miss, which is why we are committed to getting people to where they need to be, no matter what."

The full list of what Brits would most hate to miss is:

1. The funeral of a friend or family member
2. The birth of a child/grandchild
3. The wedding of a friend/family member
4. My own or my child's graduation
5. A hospital appointment
6. A job interview
7. The school nativity play
8. A dentist appointment
9. An important sporting event or fixture
10. A day at work
11. School parents evening
     

ENDS

For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank PR:

Chloe Jervis / Emma Watson

0207 693 6999/ greenflag@frankpr.it
 

Notes to Editors:

*Research undertaken by Opinium between 18th and 21st March 2014. Results are based on a sample of 2001 UK adults (18+)

**According to ONS figures, the UK adult population is 50,371,000.
 

About Green Flag

With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com