Q. A friend constantly walks around with his bootlaces undone. His wife declines to nag him on the grounds she doesn’t want to be in a ‘co-dependent relationship’. We all enjoy this man’s company but we cannot work out whether his habit is attention-seeking (for example he often has to kick his legs out at right angles when walking while carrying a lot of equipment) or just a manifestation of his natural slobbishness. Either way it will not make for a restful atmosphere in a forthcoming week-long fishing party. What do you suggest?
— S.H., Church Stretton, Salop
A. Get hold of the boots while the irritator is in bed and tie each single lace up in a tightly knotted double bow to stand smartly, but not dangling, by the eyelets on either side. The laces will be still intact should he want to do them up — but, since he never does, it will be no inconvenience to him.
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