10 JULY 2004, Page 55

Q. How does one politely see off new people who

have moved in nearby and want to be friends? The wife has already uttered the dreaded phrase 'Get your diary out.' It seems arrogant and unfriendly to say 'Our list is full', but the truth is that any more friends and we will begin to feel claustrophobic.

Name and address withheld A. Ring the woman back and say you have had to make a strict rule that you will not accept any more hospitality until you have paid back all the people you already owe. This will give you about 18 months' leeway, by which time you may wish to reconsider the offer.