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What are Brits giving up for lent?

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Source: Catherine Deshayes

According to a study conducted by the UK's second hand community site Preloved.co.uk, almost half of the UK is giving up something for Lent, including sex, fake tan and chocolate. Only a fifth will stay committed and a tenth will give up in the 7 days...

The UK's leading second hand community site www.preloved.co.uk asked 987 people across the UK if they are giving anything up for 40 days and nights in relation to the Christian tradition Lent.

Of those asked, 45% of people said that they are giving up something for Lent. The top 10 things people will abstain from are:

1. Chocolate - 43%

2. Sex - 36%

3. Cigarettes - 34%

4. Caffeine - 29%

5. Social networking - 20%

6. Alcohol - 20%

7. Fake tan - 16%

8. Texting - 12%

9. Sugar - 10%

10. Swearing - 6%

Only 18% will stay committed to the decision for the whole of the Lent celebration. 63% will give up and indulge before they reach the half way mark, and 11% will give up after 7 days.

15% of those polled were not aware of Lent whilst 26% have never given anything up, in relation to Lent; 86% said they had eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, traditionally eaten to clear the kitchen cupboards in preparation for Ash Wednesday.

A fifth, 21% of people are said to be giving up social networking because they feel it is ‘getting out of control' with 79% of people blaming sites such as Facebook and MySpace for their lack of social interaction.

Ian Buzer, founder of www.preloved.co.uk, had the following to say, "Giving things up for 40 days and 40 nights will be a lot harder than what people will think at first. I am not surprised that 11% will give up after the first week, once that weekend hits giving up things like sex, alcohol and cigarettes will become a real challenge.

He continues, "Some of the things that people are opting to give up for 40 days and nights are amusing, but the whole point is for it to be a challenge. I imagine there are lots of women who would struggle without their fake tan!"