Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your problems solved | 2 July 2015

Plus: My 40th birthday is coming up and I realise I’ve got too many friends

issue 04 July 2015

Q. The problem encountered by R.B. of Fareham (6 June) is similar to one I wish to avoid. I have organised an informal lunch for old boys of the grammar school we all joined in the 1950s, aged 11. There will be only a few there, not more than ten, and I know from previous reunions that most of them are married with children and grandchildren.

The one exception is a man who used to be my best friend, whom I have recently tracked down after some 50 years when we were out of touch. This old friend informed me that he has been in a civil partnership with a man for over 40 years. I have not the slightest problem with this, but I am not sure what to say, if anything, to the others attending the lunch. Should I tell my other old friends about this, in advance of the lunch, or should I say nothing and let events take their course on the day? Your advice would be much appreciated, Mary.

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