Top 10 things to say yes to in 2023 – including new holidays and friendships

More than half of Brits are dealing with FOSY – a ‘fear of saying yes’, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 37 per cent of these feel financial worries have held them back from saying ‘yes’ to enjoying experiences in the last 12 months.

While 37 per cent put it down to a lack of confidence.

In fact, in January – the start of a New Year that’s seen as an opportunity to broaden horizons – the average adult says no to something they actually want to do every 10 days.

But this fear of saying yes means 35 per cent think they have missed out on making new friends, while 33 per cent have avoided asking someone on a date.

And 32 per cent believe it has held them back from trying a new hobby.

The research was commissioned by Crodino, to mark the launch of its campaign to encourage people to let go of saying no, by offering complimentary experiences this month, including cookery classes, bouquet making and karaoke.

The non-alcoholic aperitivo has also teamed up with psychologist Emma Kenny who spoke about what holds Brits back and why conquering the ‘fear of saying yes’ will have a positive impact.

She said: “FOSY is a common phenomenon, linked to the emotions we experience when faced with opportunities that push us outside our comfort zone.

“When there’s a chance we might be judged or we have pre-conceived ideas that we’re not good at something, our instinctive, knee-jerk reaction is to say “no”.

“The research tells us in January, it’s even more common to say no to something, even if it’s something we want to do.

“The benefits of doing more of the things we wish we could but are afraid to say “yes” to are vast.

“When we take on new experiences, we grow in