Teach yourself happy

Lessons in emotions should be introduced in all schools in England, says the government, in the latest twist on what's known as "emotional intelligence". But can children really be taught how to be happy?

Do you offer complete strangers a shoulder to cry on when England fail to fulfil their potential in yet another World Cup? Or did you shed a few tears of your own when Take That got back together - after crying a river when they split up?

There's a term for people like you - and it's one you can repeat in front of your mother. In fact, she might even be proud to know you're what psychologists call "emotionally intelligent".

Being aware of your emotions and managing them, along with those of other people, is nothing new - be it crying over the football, the birth of a child or a death. The importance of emotional expression was debated by the likes of Plato and entered the work of people like Charles Darwin.

Take an  Emotional IQ Test