Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your Problems Solved | 7 May 2005

Etiquette advice from The Spectator's Miss Manners

issue 07 May 2005

Dear Mary…

Q. My wife and I have been invited to an election-night party being given by neighbours of the opposite political persuasion to ourselves. We are very fond of these people but they are very much New Order and we are very much Old, so, to keep things harmonious, the subject of politics is normally given a wide berth. However, we cannot get out of attending this party. Should the worst happen and it becomes clear that New Labour will be swept back into office, how can we keep the despair and bitterness from registering on our faces and remain gracious during what will be a four-to-five hour alcohol-fuelled marathon?
Name and address withheld

A. Lay your cards on the table at your earliest opportunity by announcing that you and your wife are Tories.

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