10 AUGUST 2002, Page 55

A. There is no need to worry. The armrests in

the Air Jamaica first-class quarters are sturdy enough to repel any covert invasions. To make certain that you can nod off without any threat of nocturnal groping from your neighbour, however, why not bung up your nostrils with Vaseline as soon as you have boarded the flight? You can claim that you are taking a tip from healthconscious American frequent flyers who use the gel as a barricade against unwel

come germs from the recycled air in the cabin. You will then look like a runnynosed schoolboy and your colleague's lust will be swiftly damped down.

Q. My brother, my sister and I are hosting a large drinks party for our mother's 70th birthday. It is very much a surprise party and, so far, she knows nothing about the event. We have persuaded her brother-inlaw to invite her to the ballet that evening as a pretext. As well as ensuring that she will be free that evening, it also means that she will look her best for the party. My dilemma is this — do we continue to keep the party a secret so that it will be a complete surprise for our mother when she walks into the room? Or would it be better to tell her just beforehand along the vague lines of 'We've arranged for a few friends of yours to come and have a celebratory drink. . . ', so that she has

some time to prepare for the party and it won't come as a complete shock?

Name and address withheld