One in four Brits are self-confessed commitment-phobes

ONE in four Brits are self-confessed commitment-phobes, afraid to commit to a phone contract or to a relationship.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that Britain is changing its relationship with long term commitments.

21 per cent of those polled said they would rather rent than buy a home, as they can’t decide where they want to live long term.

And 33 per cent have opted not to sign up for a gym membership, in case they change their mind down the line.

It also emerged eight in 10 also carry this way of thinking into their personal life, claiming flexibility is ‘important’ to them.

The research was commissioned by temporary car insurance company Tempcover and the brand’s managing director, Marc Pell, opened up about their findings.

Marc said: “Flexibility is paramount in today's fast-changing world; it’s driving a shift away from long-term commitments in favour of adaptable options like phone contracts, gym memberships and car ownership.

“This re-think of traditional models reflects a desire for temporary services that suit evolving needs in real-time.

“After all, finances can fluctuate, and personal circumstances evolve, making flexibility more valuable than ever.”;

The study also found 51 per cent of adults wish they could be more flexible in life, while 76 per cent feel life is simpler with fewer commitments.

Of those who consider flexibility important, 56 per cent value time for personal hobbies and interests, while 39 per cent want to be able to travel or go on a spontaneous trip.

More than a quarter also reckon it helps them balance their work and personal lives, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

But 51 per cent consider being tied into a long-term commitment to be very or quite stressful, as they feel ‘trapped’ (41 per cent), have anxieties about making the wrong choice (38 per cent) or feel overwhelmed by long-term responsibility (32 per cent).

For 29 per cent, a shift away from commitments led to a better quality of life through a greater sense of control.

It also emerged 44 per cent would consider using a streaming service that doesn’t have a long-term contract, while 39 per cent would look at a flexible mobile phone plan they could pick up and drop when suitable to them.

And 21 per cent would be interested in temporary car insurance that could let them borrow a car or share a long drive, if needed.

Marc Pell added: “This shift towards temporary isn’t necessarily about avoiding commitment altogether; rather it reflects a deeper focus on self-determination.”;

“As expectations change, rigid contracts and outdated structures may no longer fit a world where convenience and personalisation takes precedence, giving people greater freedom and control to shape their lives as they choose to.”;