Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary: Do I have to stay and socialise when I drop my children off at parties?

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issue 12 November 2022

Q. I would like to matchmake two singleton neighbours. They have absolutely everything in common, except their social class and their politics, but they are in the same line of work and both enjoy the same fairly unusual hobby. I know they would adore each other. In order to introduce them – do you advise I have a lunch for a small or large number of people? And should I sit them next to or opposite one another? 

— N.D., Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire

A. When potential matchmakees hail from contrasting milieus, their first meeting should not take place in a ‘battlefield’ scenario. Instead, issue a casual invitation to both to join you on a longish walk. Give them only a sketchy account of what they have in common and no hint that you are matchmaking. As their shared interests emerge on the walk, they may well be sparked into romantic enthusiasm.

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