Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your Problems Solved | 3 May 2003

Etiquette advice from The Spectator's Miss Manners

issue 03 May 2003

Dear Mary…

Q. My husband has developed an annoying habit of beginning to unzip himself as he approaches our downstairs gents. He also delays the buttoning-up process until long after he has vacated the facility. I am afraid that I find this obscene. How can I put a stop to this habit?
Name withheld, Binham, Norfolk

A. You are not the only reader to have written in to complain about this problem, but a solution is readily to hand. One out of every three dogs is of the crutch-sniffing variety, however charming the animal may be in other respects. Discreetly ask around, without revealing the purpose, and see if you could borrow such a dog for a couple of weeks. You will soon see an end to the nuisance.

Q. I find it most difficult to obtain loden clothes in England.

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