Q. For some years before my retirement, I worked with a male colleague who, for as long as I had known him, was quite bald. He is now in his late fifties and, I’m told, is sporting a very obvious hair transplant. As I believe we’ll meet at a mutual friend’s house during the Christmas season, I’m at a loss to know how to react to his changed appearance. Does one congratulate him on his new ‘look’ or affect not to notice the transformation?
M.H., Berry, NSW, Australia
As a general rule it is best to avoid commenting on personal appearances — there has been too much flattery and the currency has been devalued. Yet in this special situation you will have to use a one-off dose of insincerity. It will be important to reassure the transplantee that you have no intention of mocking him.
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