Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary: how do I make sure I’m left alone at a health retreat? 

iStock 
issue 25 November 2023

Q. I have given in to pressure from a talented godson and agreed to introduce him to a successful businessman whom my godson thinks he could work with. Knowing them both well, I believe he is right. I have arranged a dinner party at my house but we are going to be four men and four women at the (round) table so it would look a bit obvious and pushy to put the two men beside one another. A complication is that the successful one cannot arrive until just before we sit down so they won’t be able to talk beforehand. Any suggestions, Mary?

– J.W., London W8

A. Seat the senior protagonist on your right and the junior on your left. After the main course explain that you must go into the kitchen to attend to the final dish. Make yourself scarce for long enough for them to start talking, and if there is compatibility it will quickly become evident.

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