Dear Mary | 27 June 2019

Q. I have lost many friends and acquaintances by discussing Brexit and finding fundamental differences of opinion. Recently I have had to limit supper party invitees according to their point of view to avoid heated disagreements (and more) over the table. Have you some advice for opinionated friends, and indeed the whole country, on such social divisions please?
— Name and address withheld

A. Dinner parties have become a problem in their own right. The inevitable topic will come up. No one will change their minds and bitterness will only be exacerbated. Much better during the current emergency to give drinks parties only, with substantial snacks lying around. Tell guests they will probably not need to go out to dinner afterwards. As long as people are not imprisoned at the table next to someone with whom they disagree they will be much happier. They can let off steam by having brief exchanges with ‘Brenemies’ and then move towards someone like minded.