More than half of us who lie about resolutions say it leaves them feeling guilty, according to research from Research from zero-alcohol wine brand Not Guilty. The research also highlights the top resolutions for 2025, with saving money, exercising more, and drinking less alcohol leading the pack.
However, a third say they would find it easier to stick to an alcohol-related resolution if there was less social pressure to drink. Not Guilty has launched its ‘Ditch the Guilt’ campaign in partnership with television personality Charlotte Crosby.
Charlotte said: “As someone who’s always been about living life to the fullest, I know how easy it is to feel guilty for the smallest things. But honestly, why should we? Whether it’s bingeing your favourite show, skipping a party for some well-earned rest (especially now I’ve got the perfect excuse!), there’s no room for guilt in 2025. Not Guilty Wine is all about embracing your choices without compromise – and I’ll definitely be toasting the New Year with a glass in hand, baby bump and all!”
So, what tops our guilt pile? According to the research, the top culprits include:
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Spending a day doing absolutely nothing productive (41%) – particularly among Millennials (47%).
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Saying “no” to an invitation and feeling relieved (36%).
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Ignoring a text for too long (35%) – a top worry for Gen Z.
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Telling a white lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings (31%).
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Cancelling plans just to stay home (25%).
On the flip side, the survey also highlighted the habits Brits are unapologetically embracing – our “no guilt, no shame” moments:
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Binge-watching an entire series in a day (40%).
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Watching reality TV like Love Island or The Kardashians (32%).
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Sleeping until noon on weekends (31%).
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Belting out cheesy songs in the car or shower (30%).
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Dancing like no one’s watching (30%).
“There’s a tonne of pressure around the festive period and January, from work Christmas parties to the ‘new year, new you’ mantra, it’s a time overflowing with resolutions and expectations,” said Emily Waterston, Brand Manager at Australian Vintage, the creators of Not Guilty.
“We believe you’re ‘not guilty’ if you choose to skip the pressure altogether. With 62% of those making alcohol-related resolutions feeling more confident when they have access to great non-alcoholic options, and 35% considering these options crucial to staying on track, we’re here to empower choice without compromise.”
The Not Guilty range includes a Pinot Grigio, Red Blend and Rosé in UK retailers including Tesco, Morrisons and Asda.