Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary… | 4 November 2006

Etiquette advice from The Spectator's Miss Manners

issue 04 November 2006

Q. I knew that legal aid lawyers like myself were facing a difficult future, but I was caught somewhat off guard when a barrister colleague told me that she had just turned 40 and wondered if she were too old to ‘go on the game’ as an alternative career option. As she is a frequent opponent, I knew that anything short of honesty would undermine my credibility with her, and yet I did not want to be ungallant. I said that I thought she could manage it, but might have to specialise. Do you think I got it about right?
M.D.S., Gravesend, Kent

A. Congratulations on your intelligent response to this clearly rare presentation.

Q. A dear bachelor colleague has a problem with personal hygiene. Others are beginning to laugh at him behind his back — the main complaint is the ‘smell of frying onions’.

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