Q. When my mother-in-law visits, she puts newspaper on a dining chair before sitting down. I’m so speechless that someone could behave in this way that I don’t say anything. What comment could I could make to discourage this? Or, given she only visits three times a year, should I just chalk it up to ‘crazy in-laws’? By way of detail, I’m Australian and my mother-in-law is a Scotswoman.
— Name and address withheld
A. This seems a fairly harmless eccentricity. However if you wish to establish the thinking behind it, use the following method. Next time she comes, show her to a chair preloaded with newspapers. Smile pleasantly in the manner of someone who hopes to delight their guest with the little bespoke touches they have arranged to emphasise the welcome. A pre-briefed collaborator should enter the room at the same time — you can then say kindly to your mother-in-law: ‘I’ve prepared this chair for you, as I know you like to sit on newspapers.’At
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