Q. I knew that legal aid lawyers like myself were facing a difficult future, but I was caught somewhat off guard when a barrister colleague told me that she had just turned 40 and wondered if she were too old to ‘go on the game’ as an alternative career option. As she is a frequent opponent, I knew that anything short of honesty would undermine my credibility with her, and yet I did not want to be ungallant. I said that I thought she could manage it, but might have to specialise. Do you think I got it about right?
M.D.S., Gravesend, Kent
A. Congratulations on your intelligent response to this clearly rare presentation.
Q. A dear bachelor colleague has a problem with personal hygiene. Others are beginning to laugh at him behind his back — the main complaint is the ‘smell of frying onions’. How can I help without hurting his feelings?
E.S., London W11
A. Wear some cologne to work, then ask your friend what he thinks of it. Even if he fails to admire it, act daft and present him with a tightly wrapped package saying you have been given more bottles than you can use. Inside the package will lurk a deodorant from the same cosmetic house. ‘How did you find the cologne?’ you can ask. ‘Oh, it was a deodorant,’ he will reply. ‘Not cologne. Do you want it back?’ ‘Oh sorry. But do keep it. I have more than enough deodorants as well,’ you can claim. ‘You must try it,’ you can continue guilelessly, ‘because — do you ever feel you might be smelling of frying onions? I used to all the time and it completely stops that — you have to wash as well, of course.’
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