Q. Since recycling was introduced in our village, the wall at the end of our drive has become the depositing point for some neighbours as well as for us. Unfortunately their detritus is not sophisticated and while our green boxes are filled with wine bottles of respectable appellations, theirs is crammed with cheap lager tins. The recycling lorry comes before our friends are up so I’m not concerned about them, but more distant acquaintances on their way to work inevitably see the boxes, and we can’t invite them all to dinner to establish our credentials. How can we persuade our neighbours to keep their empties to themselves?
— J.C., Taunton, Somerset
A. This is a non-problem. In fact you should be pleased. There is no point in trying to impress drive-by acquaintances with displays of sophisticated empties if you are never going to invite them to dinner anyway. Far better that there should be a can pile outside your home. All the connotations of multiple empty lager tins can only make them relieved you have so far not included them.
Q. I notice that when certain men find you attractive, they start openly flirting with other women, as though this makes them more desirable. The other day I was with an ex-boyfriend (who wanted to get back with me) who started flirting with a much younger hotel receptionist, even inviting me to join in saying how great she was. It stiffened my resolve not to have any more to do with him, but it also made me angry. I would love to have a put-down phrase which would put a stop to this, without making me seem jealous or undignified.
— E.S., London W11
A. Thank you for reminding female readers of this scientifically proven but little discussed phenomenon.
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