Q. Walking at a local beauty spot the other day, I passed a handsome young man. We exchanged a few words and both laughed. Afterwards I wished there had been a way of getting in touch again. How can I ensure that such opportunities for romance do not go wasted in future?
— Y.P., Malvern, Worcs
A. Never leave home without carrying a dog lead in your coat pocket. If Cupid’s arrow should strike while you are out walking, you may, by this simple expedient, give your telephone number to any handsome young men you like the look of. Just take out the lead and inform the Adonis that you have lost your dog, but must now get home immediately: could you give him your telephone number, so he may contact you if he sees it? If he liked the look of you, he is sure to ring to find out whether or not you have been reunited with your dog. And returning the lead will give him a perfect excuse to drop round for further bonding.
Q. I recently went to a wedding and I want to thank the bride’s mother, who issued the invitation, but how should I start the letter? ‘Dear Firstname’ seems wrong since I did not in fact meet her. ‘Dear Firstname Surname’ seems too businesslike, although that is how her name appeared on the invitation and it is the name she uses. ‘Dear Mrs Surname’ is wrong since she uses her maiden name. Meanwhile ‘Dear Ms Surname’ and ‘Dear Miss Surname’ are both out of the question.
— Name and address withheld
A. Instead of using writing paper, use a stiff card to express your gratitude. In this way you need not use any form of address on the card.
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