Dear Mary: What must I do to reclaim the best poolside chair?

Q. I know this seems petty but last year, on our villa holiday, my brother-in-law always took the best chair at the pool. This was a teak lounger with flat armrests on which books or drinks could be rested, and an adjustable section to prop up the knees. Everyone else was on plastic numbers. If anyone deserved the best chair, it should have been me, his host, who he knows has two dodgy knees. My sister is sensitive about him, so direct criticism or even teasing are out of the question as the whole topic is too combustible. Any suggestions, Mary? We are taking the same villa again this year.
—Name and address withheld

A. The villa managers are at fault here. It is divisive to have first- and second-rate seating at a pool — so ring ahead and see if they can correct the problem before you arrive. If not, smear honey on the back of the key chair so that it is attractive to insects.