Q. Walking at a local beauty spot the other day, I passed a handsome young man. We exchanged a few words and both laughed. Afterwards I wished there had been a way of getting in touch again. How can I ensure that such opportunities for romance do not go wasted in future?
— Y.P., Malvern, Worcs
A. Never leave home without carrying a dog lead in your coat pocket. If Cupid’s arrow should strike while you are out walking, you may, by this simple expedient, give your telephone number to any handsome young men you like the look of. Just take out the lead and inform the Adonis that you have lost your dog, but must now get home immediately: could you give him your telephone number, so he may contact you if he sees it? If he liked the look of you, he is sure to ring to find out whether or not you have been reunited with your dog. And returning the lead will give him a perfect excuse to drop round for further bonding.
Q. I recently went to a wedding and I want to thank the bride’s mother, who issued the invitation, but how should I start the letter? ‘Dear Firstname’ seems wrong since I did not in fact meet her. ‘Dear Firstname Surname’ seems too businesslike, although that is how her name appeared on the invitation and it is the name she uses. ‘Dear Mrs Surname’ is wrong since she uses her maiden name. Meanwhile ‘Dear Ms Surname’ and ‘Dear Miss Surname’ are both out of the question.
— Name and address withheld
A. Instead of using writing paper, use a stiff card to express your gratitude. In this way you need not use any form of address on the card. As for the envelope, use her business name and write ‘personal’ on the top left.
Q. A man I know is famous for hedging his bets in case a ‘better’ invitation comes up, either not answering at all till the last minute or saying no, then ringing at the last minute to announce he is suddenly free. He usually gets away with this as he is charming, but I really need to know a.s.a.p. whether he will commit to joining us for a key weekend so I can shape the guest list around him. He lives abroad so I can’t really put him on the spot.
— Name and address withheld
A. Issue the invitation by Skype, turning off your camera, claiming it is not working. Warm him up with lighthearted banter, then, when he is least expecting it, suddenly issue your invitation. Because he can’t see your face, he will forget you can see the shiftiness or enthusiasm on his. Once he answers either way, turn on your camera, crying ‘Oh look it’s working again’, and stare into his eyes to firm up his commitment to whatever answer he gave.
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