17 SEPTEMBER 2005, Page 49

Q. Some months ago we invited friends to a concert.

We did not expect them to pay for the tickets and they (perfectly properly) did not offer to do so. They plainly enjoyed the evening and promised a ‘return match’. Recently they have asked us to join them at a theatrical entertainment, but when giving us details they also asked us to pay for the tickets on the evening! We have no wish to fall out over such a trifling matter —what should we do?

M.H., Mannings Heath, Sussex A. Why not ring your friends back and say cheerily ‘Bad news, we can’t come after all. We’ve just looked into our entertainment budget for this season and we’ve completely exhausted it!’ Then stay silent while they burble.