MOST of us have a breaking point when it comes to bad service.

Some people complain at the drop of a hat; relishing the chance to vent their spleen, however trivial the issue might be.

Others are more measured, and only complain if they feel they really have to.

I like to think I'm in the latter camp. People who complain in public make me wince, especially if it involves raised voices and 'making a scene'.

I know a couple of people who I'm convinced look for things to complain about when we eat out; I've bitten my lip and looked away as they've interrupted a pleasant dinner by having a go at the waiter/waitress about something that usually isn't worth it.

I will do anything to avoid complaining. Life's too short, and it's petty and pedestrian to whinge about a lukewarm tagliatelle in a high street gastro pub when there are homeless children somewhere in the world.

Even when I really have to complain, I try to make light of it. I guess it's that British sense of restraint, of not wanting to make a fuss. And, having worked in shops, pubs and cafes when I was younger, I remember how I despised stroppy customers, the kind that watch staff with beady eyes, waiting for them to put a foot wrong.

Traditionally, complaining isn't considered the British thing to do. We put up and shut up rather than cause an awkward scene. But it seems all that is changing.

According to a new survey, consumer complaints rose by three million last year, with most aimed at retail, telecom and energy companies.

If you've never had a gripe with any of these firms, you're lucky. Most of us will at some point have experienced the blood-boiling frustration at a discrepancy with a fuel bill or a sluggish broadband supplier, and of course we have a right to complain about such issues.

When an ongoing problem with my electricity supplier once reduced me to tears, I did complain - but I didn't take it out on the woman at the other end of the phone, because I knew it wasn't her fault.

It may involve a frustrating process, but complaining should be be done politely. Even consumer rights champion Jasper Griegson, who describes himself as a "professional complainer", says that while we should make ourselves heard, abuse isn't the way to go about it.

I think our rising complaining culture has come from America, where demanding consumer rights comes as naturally as breathing.

Americans simply won't put up with poor service, and it shows. The quality of service in shops, bars and restaurants over there is so much higher than the UK, in terms of speed and efficiency.

If there really is no option, complaining - politely and calmly - has to be done. It just seems to me that it's sweating the small stuff and unless it's a burning issue, I can't really be bothered.

A few months ago I went into a mobile phone shop seeking help with a recurring problem with my phone, and the assistant was spectacularly bad-mannered - to the point where he started walking away as he spoke to me, clearly not the slightest bit interested.

"You'll have to go back to where you bought it from," he said, his voice fading into the distance as he wandered off.

I thought about reporting him, but I just don't want to be that meanspirited pedant who gets someone into trouble with their boss.

Would it have made me feel better? Probably not. Was working in a mobile phone shop what he dreamed of doing as a little boy? Probably not.

Sometimes it's enough to show a bit of restraint, and let it go.

THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT!

OKAY, Beyonce, you’re pregnant. We get it. You’re clearly thrilled and all that, but we’ve seen quite enough of your belly now.

The singer announced her news with a photo of herself (Beyonce/Instagram/PA Wire) clutching her baby bump, wearing just underwear and a veil, for no apparent reason. This week she performed at the Grammys, with the bump in full view again. I’m not saying mothers-to-be should hide behind smocks, but flaunting your pregnancy bump to the world isn’t particularly dignified. You’re helping to over-populate the planet. Well done.

HUGGING

APPARENTLY, the average Brit would love six hugs a day, though most have to settle for two.

That's two too many for me. I can cope with a virtual hug - "sending you big hugs", my friends and I text, when in need of a bit of support - but real hugs makes me uncomfortable.

A BBC survey of "the nation's hugging habits" reveals the average hug lasts 7.7 seconds (squirm). 'Hugging expert' Andy Cope reckons it produces chemicals boosting contentment and immune levels, and reducing stress.

Nonsense. Public hugging is awkward and stressful. Who honestly likes going in for a back-pat when the other person wraps you in a bear hug and an ill-timed sloppy kiss? And who doesn't wipe their cheek afterwards like a little boy embraced by a hairy-faced great aunt?

MORE FROM EMMA CLAYTON