All this 'feeling sorry for her' is just another chapter in the patronising derogation of her and women like her.

By not holding Britney Spears, a 25 year old multi millionaire showbiz professional and mother of two, responsible for herself and her choices aren't you saying she's still not a real person?

i say she's not a victim and never was. She's a HUGELY successful brand who has had a huge impact on the culture. I hate the impact that she's had and I hate what she stands for. But I assume that if she hadn't stepped up to the plate to go through this there were a million other pushy mothers thrusting their barbie doll daughters into her place.

So she's not smart enough to make good choices - that's no surprise. So she's no longer sexy the way she once was - no female over 20, let alone one whose had a baby or two, is.

Britney Spears hit the jackpot and I can't feel sorry for her in any way. I am very sorry for her children though and all the other children influenced by her image.

PS I am much much much much more saddened by the story of the moose.

This is a useful way to deal with a difficult break up when you still feel love for the other person:

Tell your ex you don't want to talk to him for a month. At the end of the month see if you can't hold on for another month. Then another. If you do have to see him do it once over coffee and explain that this time you'd like two months before having contact. The great thing about this is that you're in control, and while you're waiting for the next month to be up something starts happening to you .... life.

I did this when I was 22 and it really really helped.

I also want to say that even though you are 'young' from the point of view of most of the people here, I remember my first break up when I was 22 like it was yesterday. I had been going out with the guy for four years and he moved on instantly too - but to about fifteen other women which weirdly may have made it easier. It was obvious none of them were special. Anyway - that breakup was really really hard. Just as hard as any to come - not that they have ever gotten easier. But youth itself is so hard sometimes. You don't know what you're doing with your life. You don't know if you'll ever make a living or really be able to take care of yourself. You don't know who to love or what to do ....

Just take that step by step too. As terrifying as the future seems right now it's actually full of the most wonderful potential. And stay away from the ex and his new relationship. You still seem to have a real 'service' mentality about working on that relationship - but you don't need to do that anymore! You're free!

Oh man, IF ONLY women could resolve things with a fight in the dust followed by a drink at the pub. IF ONLY.

If she wants to hang on to the grudge she will. If she doesn't she won't. It's out of your hands.

What you can do is lead by example. Go to the meeting next week and behave in a friendly, dignified and professional manner. When appropriate crack a joke, find an opportunity to share a laugh or a smile. Invite her for coffee and cake afterwards and make it your treat.

You can show by your behaviour that you're over it and that you want your relationship to continue on a comfortable, relaxed and professional footing. If she doesn't want to there's nothing you can do. But at least by acting in this way you're making continuing the relationship an attractive option.

Finally - I think it's really important to let off steam and who else to let off steam to than a best friend? It's not unprofessional in any way to talk to your personal friends in any way that you want to. The unprofessional thing was accidentally sending it to the wrong person.

I work in PR and it's a rule in our firm that we never write down negative things about our clients. We bitch on the phone about them endlessly, and in private meetings also, but when it comes to emails or documents it is never worth the risk.

Very funny - well written and interesting too.