Dear Mary: I’m a fan of Jordan Peterson. How do I stop people judging me for it? 

Q. I am a great admirer of Dr Jordan Peterson so am naturally inclined to want to discuss his ideas with others. Last week, however, the man next to me at my niece’s wedding took umbrage when I mentioned Dr Peterson’s name and that I was a fan. This fellow guest turned out to be a vehement opponent and became quite heated as he tried to re-educate me. He was insistent that I reverse my favourable views but I wouldn’t back down. I would not want to create similar tension again at a social event with such an unexpected reaction. Ironically, our hosts had put us next to one another because they considered we had much in common. Any thoughts, Mary, about how best to avoid this pitfall in future?

– Name and address withheld

A. You can test the waters in future by remarking in neutral tones: ‘My goddaughter has just asked me to buy her the latest book by Jordan Peterson.