Q. This autumn I will be studying in Paris. A friend from Italy will also be studying there and she wants us to share a flat. She is amazing and I worship her but, the problem is that I need to be alone first thing in the morning — and she wants to talk. The truth, ridiculous or not, is that if I can’t have my mental privacy at this time, I am much less productive. Although she knows how I feel, whenever we have stayed the night under the same roof, the moment I put a foot out of bed she somehow knows and comes into my room talking. I know she thinks she can just overwhelm what she sees as my neurosis by being charismatic. What do you think I should do? I really want to live with her.
— V.I., London W12
A. Many readers will sympathise. One, who has unsuccessfully begged her regular guest time and again not to talk to her first thing, has this week been reduced to booking into a B&B for a night to get a break from his chatter. Turn this on-going nuisance to your advantage by taking up meditation. You can learn the rudiments in no time and it requires no equipment — just privacy. Agree to live with the girl you worship but explain that you will be meditating first thing each morning. Meanwhile keep a camping kettle in your bedroom and the food you require for breakfast. If she tries your door (for which you will have had the sense to buy a 49p door-wedge), silently slide a meditation leaflet out from under it. She will soon learn the boundaries — especially if you can be relied upon to be good value later in the day.
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