MOST Brits harbour six grudges EACH at any one time, a study revealed.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 69 per cent have a lingering gripe of some sort – including not getting a job, being dumped, and bad customer service experiences.

On average, the longest they’ve ever held a grudge for is eight years – but 12 per cent have maintained one for 20 years or more.

But 63 per cent admitted they don’t tend to consider the impact their grudges could have on people and businesses.

It’s not just those on the receiving end who are affected though as a fifth admitted their mental health has suffered due to ongoing feuds.

As a result, the study commissioned by Trustpilot, found a third regret holding grudges.

Consumer champion Dominic Littlewood – who has partnered with Trustpilot – said: "Holding grudges is rarely – if ever – good for your wellbeing or the wellbeing of those on the receiving end – whether that’s loved ones, colleagues, or businesses.

"People can be quick to comment in the spur of the moment, especially when their expectations aren't met, and especially on the internet.

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"If a business gets it wrong you should absolutely tell them, but you'll always get a better reaction if you remember to speak to people in a considered and constructive way.

"Reviews on independent platforms can be a great way of getting feedback and allowing others to see how businesses react to any challenges that come their way."

The study also found four in 10 openly admit they tend to make quick and potentially unfair judgements about people, businesses, and situations.

For some, the likelihood of developing a grudge appears to be higher when interacting online – as a third tend to be rash when posting messages, comments, or reviews on the internet.

While a quarter admit they’re more likely to hold a grudge against a business than a person.

As such, more than a third said it’s easy for them to forget there are real people running businesses.

This could be a factor in why one in 10 have posted negative feedback online about a business, product or service only to regret it later.

The research is part of Trustpilot’s Helping Hands campaign, which aims to remind both consumers and businesses to “pause, take a moment and encourage more constructive conversations online.”

Carried out via OnePoll, it also found 41 per cent of adults have changed their opinion of a business from bad to good after the company went the extra mile to make up for it.

While 66 per cent believe it is possible to "forgive and forget".

For more information and advice on how to let go of grudges and have a better online shopping experience, click here.

UK’S TOP 20 GRUDGES

• Someone you trusted going behind your back
• Being accused of something you didn’t do
• When a business provided poor customer service
• When you lent someone money/an item and they never gave it back
• Someone who picked on/ridiculed you when you were a child
• Someone who cheated on you
• Something you paid for being a disappointment
• Someone else taking the credit for something you did
• When someone mocked you based on your appearance
• When a business did not deliver on its promises
• Anyone who ever pushed in at a queue
• When you gave someone a gift and they didn’t say thank you
• Someone who dumped you
• When a delivery service lost your package/parcel and refused to reimburse you
• When a retail employee was rude to you
• When someone drove past you through a puddle, and splashed you
• When you were told off in front of everyone by your boss
• When a food delivery service delivered your order late
• When someone pulled out of a get-together at the last minute
• When you were overlooked for a promotion

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