Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary | 29 August 2009

Your problems solved

issue 29 August 2009

Q. Mary, please help urgently. We have friends to stay with us in Scotland every year at this time. This year I have an impressive quota of three single (heterosexual) men in their forties. I have identified one in particular as ideal for a singleton female friend who is also coming. How can I force them together, Mary? I may not be able to use the long walk/car-running-out-of-petrol ruse if the weather closes in. I know they would be happy together but obviously being in their forties both are a bit shy now about the ‘pass’.


Name withheld


A. People forget that for most of the last century, dancing, i.e. dancing with a partner, was the means by which the romantic spark could be lit and a liaison forced forward. Instead of the usual after-dinner games, try to include some reeling — it is quite acceptable to use recorded music.

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