Q. We often take friends to what my husband calls a ‘poncey’ pub which has won numerous awards and where the atmosphere is absurdly reverential. Despite its upmarket reputation, the pub serves peculiarly large portions and, intimidated by the waiters, I feel obliged to eat it all. I don’t want to ask if I can take away any leftovers in a doggy bag. Can you think of a way in which I can collect the food without embarrassment or, indeed, giving offence to the chef?
— Name and address withheld
A. Simply order a bag of crisps with your first drink as you are choosing from the menu. Eat them. Such a receptacle is lined with a type of foil and is ideal to use as a pop-up doggy bag.
Q. Later this year I am going to a wedding weekend in the south of France. I am the best man to an old friend who has been a loyal companion for many years. The problem is that I really fancy his sister, and I think she quite likes me too. Is it acceptable to tackle both tasks on this jaunt?
— Name and address withheld
A. It certainly is — provided you are considering a romantic liaison rather than a potentially exploitative one. Weddings are the traditional place for people to begin new but lasting relationships. You will find, if questioning others in your network, that a high percentage of couples met their partners at just such an event. There is no need to hold back; in fact you may even be expected to fulfil this duty alongside your other more prosaic obligations over the weekend.
Q. At 6ft 5in I am utterly fed up of people starting a conversation with the question ‘Gosh, how tall are you?’, especially when a guess would probably land them an inch either side anyway.
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