Q. My parents are abroad for two months and as my flatmates in London are all, like me, working from home, I’ve moved to their country cottage to get some peace. This is an idyllic and very community-based village but one unforeseen problem has arisen. The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac lane and every time I nip out to do anything – post a letter, buy a pint of milk – I run into neighbours, each one requiring at least a five-minute chat. Short errands are taking an hour to complete. Without seeming to be unfriendly, how can I, on weekdays, give the message I am busy getting stuff done?
– Q.R., Lincolnshire
A. Why not take up roller-skating? In that way you will always be travelling at a speed faster than walking pace and can wave enthusiastically as you rush past shouting: ‘Sorry, I haven’t learned how to stop yet!’
Q.
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