The good, the bad and the ugly

IT'S official – dumping someone by text message is just plain bad manners. Etiquette experts at Debrett's have decreed that the end of a relationship calls for a face-to-face meeting and a decent explanation. And while a phone call or e-mail is an acceptable break-up method if you have only been on a few casual dates, texting under these circumstances is deemed heartless.

The rules of social convention will also be flouted after a split by updating your Facebook status to single too prematurely, or by texting your new squeeze while breaking up with your ex. Listen and learn, love rats.

BAD

DON'T get mad, get even, says the old adage. But if new research from Sweden is to be believed, venting your anger could actually be good for you – particularly when you are at work.

In a decade-long study of 2,755 male workers, doctors found that shouting at your boss can improve your health – and even your employment prospects. Those who bottle up their stress have been shown to have twice the risk of a heart attack and are more likely to go off sick than those who lose their temper in a work environment. But while shouting and screaming can be beneficial in the workplace, it does nothing for your home life, apparently. No surprise there.

UGLY

NOW that we can finally stow the sequins and all things Santa-related, you would think the fashion industry would be on stand-by with a whole raft of spring fabulousness to tempt us out of our winter woollies. Apparently not. For the key must-have accessory for next season ahead is none other than a satchel. Yes, you read right, the thing you threw over your shoulder when you were a grotty teenager with acne and about us much fashion sense as a geography teacher. Satchels made an appearance on the spring/summer 2010 catwalks of many leading fashion houses. Chlo is offering traditional brown versions that you might have carried in P1. Dior's oversized versions are ideal for carrying your PE kit. And Louis Vuitton's come with fur and tassels, and are the sort of thing you wouldn't have been seen dead with as a teenager. Think this may be a trend to avoid.

This article first appeared in Scotland on Sunday on 3 January, 2010