Q. I have three children in their early twenties. There is a fashion in their circles not to know each other’s surnames. They always introduce themselves to each other, and to one, by Christian names only. Perhaps they feel it adds to the mystery of their lives. Last weekend, however, I had 32 of my daughter’s friends to stay for a party. Only when they were leaving and were signing the visitors’ book did I see their surnames and realise that three of them were children of old friends of mine. By then it was too late to catch up with news. How can I get around this frustration, Mary?
A.E., Pewsey, Wiltshire
A. When the young arrive at your house, produce the visitors’ book and ask them to sign in rather than out. In this way you can satisfy your curiosity before it is too late.
Q. May I pass on a tip to readers? It is much better to watch the football with the mute button on and listen to the live commentary on the radio.
J.F., London SW12
A. Thank you. I understand this much reduces the annoyance of the South African horn noise.
Q. I have been invited to what I assume will be a very smart dinner in London. The person giving the party is the daughter of a great old friend of mine who is sadly no longer with us. My problem is that my wife’s name does not appear on the invitation. This is not particularly odd as my wife travels and works abroad a lot and is almost always too busy to attend things. On this occasion, however, she will be free and I would like her to come too. How can I indicate her availability and thereby possibly orchestrate an invitation for her as well without seeming to be pushy?
Name and address withheld
A.
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