RESEARCH has found that the majority of people living in Scotland have faced a socially awkward-situation while trying to follow Covid-19 rules.
The research commissioned part of “Stop The Spread” campaign focussed on the most challenging social situations people are facing during the pandemic.
The research found that family members were revealed to be the hardest people to say no to with 54% of people agreeing.
62% of women found awkward situations hard to deal with because they love or care for the person.
The top five most awkward social situations when trying to follow the rules during the pandemic include:
37% found not being able to go inside someone else’s house awkward as well as 36% of people finding keeping two metres apart from friends and family strange.
Not being able to hug someone from outside of your household was another high ranking awkward situation as well as not being able to have a mask free conversation and
not being able to include certain friends for meet-ups.
Scottish Minister for Health Jeane Freeman said: “We have all made huge sacrifices throughout this pandemic and right now, we rely more than ever on our collective effort to follow the measures in place.
“At times sticking to the rules can be very challenging, but the decisions we all make over the coming days and weeks have a real impact on not only ourselves but others.
“Stopping the spread starts with all of us and we all need to play our part to help protect lives, our mental health, the NHS, jobs and businesses.”
Over a quarter of people admit that dealing with awkward situations due to the Covid-19 rules is getting harder as time goes on , particularly for those aged 16-24.
Those aged 55+ find it easier dealing with awkward situations now, as people are more used to the rules and protection measures in place.
Professor of Social Psychology at the University of St Andrews Stephen Reicher, said: “Most people have good intentions and understand the importance of following the rules to stop the spread of the virus.
“However, some social situations, particularly with friends and family, are challenging and it’s very difficult to say no, as we don’t want to appear rude or upset the other person.
“There are a number of strategies people can adopt when faced with awkward social situations.
“None of us want to hurt other people’s feelings, so it’s important to frame our reactions as being done out of care and concern for the other and plan ahead to anticipate how you might respond.”
The research highlights there are a number of coping mechanisms people are already adopting for awkward situations due to Covid-19 such as, taking a step backwards when talking to someone, providing a positive response and promise for the future, a verbal acknowledgement and connecting with other people via technology instead.
