The wee family habits that annoy us the most

THE habits that annoy us most about the people we live with include leaving the lights on in an empty room and weeing on the toilet seat, according to a new survey.

Researchers found that 44 per cent were annoyed by the poor bathroom habit, while 42 per cent got angry by lights being left on and the same number by family members expecting others to clear up after them.

Almost two in five, or 38 per cent, were angered by a member of their family leaving a tap running and more than a third, 35 per cent, were riled by people leaving dirty washing on the floor.

Not doing the washing-up was a bugbear for more than a quarter, or 26 per cent. And a similar number – 24 per cent – were peeved when family members kept looking at a screen while they were trying to hold a conversation. The survey showed that Britons found their families so irritating that almost a third – 32 per cent – said their happiest time was when they were home alone. And the most annoying day of the week was Saturday, when families were most likely to be together.

With an average 109 rows a year, almost one in five – 19 per cent – confessed they have thought about booking into a hotel just to get some peace and quiet.

The study found the most irritating co-habitees were 27-yearold women. But by the time they have reached 69, they have become the least infuriating.

Christian Mendes, of Privilege Home Insurance which commissioned the survey, said: ‘Family life can be complicated. If we all tried to change just one of the things we do that annoy those we live with, our homes would become more peaceful environments.’