Q. Coming across a secluded pool while walking in the Picos in Spain on a very hot day we had an exhilarating skinny-dip, followed by some rather silly antics for forty-somethings. By chance a couple we know but detest (the husband is always ogling me) were staying in the same hotel. Since our return he keeps making sly remarks in front of us which can only mean that they saw all this; possibly they even followed us. Should I or my husband confront the pest?
—Name and address withheld
A. There is no reason for you to worry about loss of dignity when humiliation should rightly be heaped on the Peeping Toms. Simply purchase a dvd of the award-winning 2006 film The Lives of Others. This subtle drama of Stasi surveillance in 1984 East Berlin involves a saddo bugging the flat of an interesting playwright. Make an enigmatic present of the dvd to the couple — refuse to be drawn on why you think they will enjoy it.
Q. Apropos recent letters, unintentional ‘bosom-flashing’ can also be a social problem. As a new diplomatic wife in Central America I attended a dinner wearing a strapless long cotton dress with elasticated top, and little else. When I saw the ambassador’s wife rise at the end of the meal, I dutifully shot to my feet. But the skirt of my dress was trapped under my neighbour’s chair leg and the top did not rise with me. The ambassador’s wife saved the day, she said: ‘Oh, what rotten luck. But how delightful!’ — and some even clapped. The compliment made me feel better, but my husband later remarked: ‘Good thing you weren’t standing for the national anthem — they play all seven verses’!
—S.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in