Suzi Collins from the University of Nottingham writes for Impact on what you can learn from watching horror films:

If you’re anything like me then you’re obviously very wise and know that Halloween is the best time of the year. Not only do you get to demand sweets from vulnerable strangers, but the good ol’ telly box offers up hundreds upon millions of pretty awesome horror films.

Horror films are great because they provide incredibly unique, yet all round good advice. I’ve spent a lot of time watching scary films and so feel that I’m more than qualified to give you a round-up of the messages they portray. So here’s a (not completely) extensive list of things that horror films have taught me:

1. GHOSTS LOVE PLUMBING.

If your floor is covered in water then hold tight because there’s a spirit knocking about in your pipes (oo-er). Ghosts are cool and alternative so won’t arrive at your house through the front door. Front doors are so cliché. Instead they swim about and arrive through the kitchen sink, meaning your floors inevitably will be covered in water. They just love to be an inconvenience but, let’s face it, most of us would travel by pipe if we could.

2. DON’T ANSWER THE PHONE. EVER.

In horror films, murderers and spirits alike just love to have a good natter on the phone. However, they’re less likely to want to talk about the weather or what you’re having for dinner and more likely to whisper ‘You’re going to die! YOLO!’ It doesn’t matter if you’re waiting for a really really important once-in-a-lifetime phone call, DON’T ANSWER THE PHONE, just to be on the safe side.

Full article here.