Dear Mary: How do I cope with university flatmates who can’t cook?

Q. For many years I employed around 60 people with whom I worked in an open-plan office. I moved on from this role, but in my social life I often come across some of these former colleagues and although I can vividly remember my sentiments towards them, I sometimes cannot put a name to their faces. This facial amnesia is no reflection of the degree of respect or fondness I feel towards them, but nevertheless it looks and feels bad that I cannot remember their name immediately. It is especially difficult when someone else joins our conversation because of course I cannot introduce them. As soon as I have the name everything falls into place. What do you recommend, Mary?
— Name and address withheld

A. Download the link to an interesting new podcast before you go socialising. As soon as a familiar face heaves into view and asks how are you are, say that you’ve been laughing about/are excited by a podcast you’ve been listening to on the way to the party, then bring out your iPhone and ask for their email address so you can forward the link to them.