31 MARCH 2007, Page 71

Q. I am 12. I am going skiing over Easter.

I am worried that some of the other children in the resort will be rude about my friend who is going too. What should I say if they say she is a saddo — not realising that I am friends with her?

Name and address withheld A. Do not be defensive. Instead issue a cry of amazement. Then say, ‘How interesting that you have formed that impression! You’re quite wrong — she’s not a saddo at all. Quite the contrary. She’s just rather subtle in her personal presentation.’ Then shake your head and chuckle as though you know something they don’t.