Q. My father has worked pro bono for many years on the advisory board of a certain company with a long established reputation for gentlemanly values. When a new chief executive was appointed, he rang to offer his congratulations and to introduce himself but the assistant who took his call had to ask him to spell his name so she could take a message. When he explained that he was on the board of advisors, the assistant replied that she had no record of him, and she thought the new executive would be ‘getting in his own advisors’. This turns out to have been the case and my father’s telephone call was not returned, nor has he heard anything by way of ‘thank you for your help over the years’ even by telephone. My father, who still has many years of useful advice in him, feels demoralised but wants to take no action. Mary, what do you suggest?
— Name and address withheld
A. Such uncivilised behaviour is increasingly commonplace. The present is another country and they do things differently here. However the eternal verity remains intact. No one ever made money in the long term by underestimating the value of gentlemanly behaviour. You need take no punitive action. The chief executive will see to his own inevitable downfall.
Q. My brother has asked if he and his new girlfriend can come and stay in our Paris flat at a time when he knows we will not be there. I can’t think of a reason to say no except that I don’t like the vibe of his new girlfriend. Also she seems way too inquisitive about everything. I can too easily imagine her going through our cupboards etc while my brother’s back is turned.
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in