8 FEBRUARY 2003, Page 55

Q. A recent reversal in fortune has meant that I

am forced to use the Underground system as a means of transport. Is there any way in which I might give the impression to acquaintances who catch sight of me underground that I am a one-off Tube traveller and not an habitué who is down on his luck?

A.B., London W8 stand still in the 'fast' lane so as to block the passage of those wishing to scamper up or down. In this way, any acquaintance catching a glimpse of your antisocial behaviour will assume that this sighting must be a rare one.