GOING OUT VS STAYING IN

It's the age-old dilemma, but for many of us now, it's not even a question...

- FRANCES LEATE

As the dark nights draw in and the weather gets cold, there's nothing like getting warm and cosy for an evening in front of the telly. At this time of year, it's something most of us look forward to after a long day.

But new research*, by homeware brand Brabantia, suggests that for the majority of us more than three quarters, or 77% - this may be the case all year round.

By the time we hit the still youthful age of 29, the desire to stay in and enjoy being at home is much stronger than the urge to go out and have fun, according to the study.

With 93% of Brits believing their homes are fundamental to their overall wellbeing, we just can't get enough of our own space.

There's no doubt the number of pubs and clubs are in a sharp decline, and now it seems people are preferring to spend their cash on making their homes as comfortable as possible instead, with millennials aged 40 and above spending 23% more on decor than baby boomers, people aged 60 plus. So, what's really better, staying in or going out?

My home is my sanctuary'

Alexandra Walker, 43, runs a coaching business helping people thrive after big life challenges, damselnotindistress.co.uk I could almost feel the excitement of everyone in the office as they made plans for Friday night. It was 2010, and we'd all just finished work on a big project and now, my colleagues wanted to head out for celebratory drinks. A feeling of dread grew inside me, as I quickly sent my hairdresser a message asking if she could fit me in that very same evening, and when she replied confirming my appointment, I relaxed. 'I have a prior engagement, I told colleagues.

The truth was, I just didn't want to go.