Q. Our two daughters often bring friends down for the weekend. These friends are more than welcome; we enjoy their company and most have perfect manners — except they never leave a tip. Our daughters claim that no one of their age group (early twenties) carries cash and that even if they remind their guests to bring some to leave in their room, they are so unused to using cash points that most of them still forget. How should I insist without striking a bullying or inhospitable note?
— N.H., Bridport, Dorset
A. Make it easier for the guests by casually mentioning that you have been out to a cashpoint and stocked up, so anyone who wants to borrow cash for a tip can come to you. Stand at the Visitors Book as they are signing on the day of departure and pleasantly offer to lend the relevant sum (you may have to tell them what this is). All young people are in the habit of pinging money into each other’s accounts via their banking apps, so they can pay you back instantly.
Q. A lifelong artist friend is having a shared exhibition of her witty artworks embroidered on washed linen. My husband and I were looking forward to the show, which opens in the West End this week, but now we hear that her co-exhibitor has invited 2,000 people to the opening party. We want to show our admiration and support, but although we are triple-jabbed we are very anxious about crowded spaces.
— Name and address withheld
A. As long as the artist knows that you attended she won’t mind if you just stand in the street outside the exhibition. Many smokers already do this anyway.
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