Britons, USA News: Britons “grin and bear” everyday annoyances like queue jumpers and loud music on public transport three times a day, new research has uncovered. The survey found that 52 per cent of respondents chose to preserve a stiff upper lip rather than complain about the behaviour. The research from OnePoll comes as the Government launched new measures to clamp down on antisocial behaviour on public transport. Offenders could face steep fines for infractions like playing loud music, with local authorities granted new powers.
A new campaign was also launched to remind people to use headphones on public transport, telling passengers to “share the journey, not the noise” or face fines of up to £1,000. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said it is part of wider plans to “make journeys that little bit better for all of us”. “We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone. It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey,” he said.
Besides loud noise on public transport, being pushed by queue jumpers ranked as the second most common frustration, followed by starting the day without adequate rest. Disruptive neighbours, last-minute cancellations, and fellow commuters loudly watching videos also ranked among the top grievances. Beyond the workplace and the queue, Brits prove equally stoic in social and domestic settings. A third of those surveyed confessed to enduring a mind-numbingly dull conversation at a party. At the same time, 32 per cent have graciously accepted a dreadful present without uttering a word of complaint.
Roughly 35 per cent have bitten their tongue after receiving a cold or underwhelming meal at a restaurant, and nearly a quarter have persevered through a coastal holiday blighted by persistent rain. One in five have silently endured food they disliked at a wedding, and the same proportion have done so while dining at their partner’s family’s house. A further 15 per cent have sat through an entire dinner party meal without voicing any dissatisfaction. Unwanted haircuts and neighbours who refuse to keep the noise down also made the top 20 list of tolerated annoyances.
Pete Rosier, from yfood, who commissioned the research, said: “There’s something uniquely British about tolerating the mediocre, saying ‘it’s fine’, and carrying on regardless.” “In fact, putting up with daily compromises has become such a habit that many of us do it several times a day without even thinking about it.”
