Q. I shall be spending more time in the company of newer acquaintances in the West Country and would appreciate your advice with regard to a resurfacing problem: narcolepsy. The condition is the source of much embarrassment and I find myself at pains to explain it upfront. (People may infer spurious connections due to limited understanding – that is to say ‘narc’ is now much more closely associated with narcissistic tendencies or worse, narcotics.) In anticipation of negative reactions how can I deal with any awkwardness? I am keen to attend social events.
– Name withheld, Wimbledon
A. Turn your condition to your advantage by arriving with a lightweight, blown-up travel pillow around your neck. In the event of your nodding off, the pillow will remind those present that your condition is nothing to do with narcotics.
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