New research reveals most awkward Christmas conversations, as third of nation ‘out of practice’ for festive season

Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels

With us missing out on a big gathering last Christmas, we're out of the swing of things.

One of those things is small talk.

Commissioned by Samsung KX, a new study reveals the conversation topics we’re dreading this Christmas and the most awkward moments of the festive season.

Almost a quarter of the nation don’t enjoy small talk over the festive period.

With 41 per cent feeling ‘awkward’ and ‘embarrassed’ when being quizzed on their love life

And 15 per cent admitting they get uncomfortable when answering questions about their career too.

However, people are still looking forward to the Christmas season,

With festive favourites including tucking into the turkey (51%), watching Christmas movies (41%) and opening presents (36%) coming out top.

The study also found that a third (32%) of the nation expect to be interrogated by relatives and aren’t looking forward to it this year.

Conversational bugbears we’re dreading are:

‘what’s happening in your love life’

and ‘have you found yourself a nice partner yet?’.

Other eye-rolling topics include ‘when are you going to have a baby’ and ‘why aren’t you married?’.

Over half (57%) of the people who took part in the survey revealed they get asked the same questions every year.

Topics people would rather avoid include sex (39%), followed by love life (31%), politics (29%) and money (28%).

And a fifth (21%) of respondents would rather leave Covid-19 chats behind over the festive season, too.