Survey finds Belfast people are 'sweetest'

People in Belfast are the sweetest in the UK, a fresh survey found today.

Despite one in four respondents hurling something during an argument and half falling out with a good friend, Belfast’s results outstripped cities like London, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

The poll, which quizzed 140 people in Belfast, also found that 37% of people in the city never apologised first, 63% blamed stress or tiredness for rowing and 38% talked about friends behind their backs.

Psychologist Dr Sandra Scott said: “People can underestimate how much we can benefit from healthy relationships.

“Evidence shows that happy relationships are not only good for our mental health, but also for our physical health.”

Lorraine Dunbar of Uncle Ben’s said: “If you want to avoid sticky situations and potential arguments, The Sweet And Sour Guide To Great Britain shows that Belfast is where you need to be, whereas cities such as Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesborough are best avoided.”

Cardiff was rated the most sour city with 54% of people sharing combative tendencies during disagreements. This compared to 46% in Belfast.

Brighton, Bristol and Norwich were among other cities faring worse than Belfast.

London was the most courteous city, with 81% offering an immediate apology after a dispute and Londoners are one of the least likely to talk about friends behind their backs.

Men and women are eight times more likely to argue with partners than close friends but the older we get the more likely we are to bicker with strangers like call-centre operators.

Disloyal friends was the main bone of contention among those aged between 16 and 24 while money was the focus of arguments for a quarter of 25-to-34-year-olds.