YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED Q. What is the correct behaviour at
a lunch or dinner party, when the wine is 'corked'? In restaurants, at receptions or charity din- ners and so on, I do not hesitate to ask for another bottle, since there is value for money involved. At grand private parties one might have a word with the butler. But what about in normal life? Does one men- tion it, thus causing confusion, embarrass- ing the host, and risking others thinking one is showing off? Or does one just drink the wine and be thought (as a professional wine-taster) to be too stupid, or even too drunk, to have recognised the fault?
S.S., London W14 A. Since corkedness in a wine is nobody's fault, no normal party-giver should take offence if their attention is drawn to the defect. However, when dealing with inse- cure or pretentious hosts, it may well be a different matter. The solution is deliberate- ly to set up an on-going 'corked wine' com- petition with a fellow wine writer to see who can find the most examples per month. Then you can revel with infectious enthusi- asm each time a corked wine comes your way, crying out, 'Hey, this wine is corked! That's made my day! That will bring me into the lead! Hooray!' Slap your host on the back as though he has done something clever, and confuse him further, if you want to go the whole hog, by pressing a crisp
Dear Mary.. .
note of appropriate denomination into his hand claiming he can share your winnings. This, at least, should entitle you to take the bottle away with you as 'proof, and you might possibly recoup your outlay at the suppliers.
Q. I recently met a well-known newscaster socially. It was our first meeting, and I have to admit I was flattered not only because he stared at me, his face aglow with apparent adulation all the time we were talking, but also because he seemed so intensely inter- ested in everything I had to say, and asked me question after question about my per- sonal life. Quite frankly, I presumed he fancied me and it was one of those coup de foudre things. I was therefore thrown when, a week or so later, this newscaster's name came up in conversation at another party and one of the women present said, 'Yes, but I find it so boring the way he does that interviewing technique all the time and never tells you anything about himself.' I am now embarrassed that I could have been so conceited and silly, but also would like to ask your advice for future reference. How can you tell, when talking to a profes- sional interviewer, whether he or she gen- uinely likes you, as would seem to be evi- denced by all the beaming and nodding in encouragement, or whether they are just on autopilot?
Name and address withheld A. There is no way of knowing. The great thing is not to bother whether the apparent approval is genuine or not, but to make the most of such encounters by using them as rehearsals for any future television appear- ances of your own.
Q. I am currently dating an attractive young lady and wish to ascertain her age before becoming more seriously involved. How do I do so without causing offence?
Name withheld, Sydney, Australia A. Why not do what a woman would do in the same position and take your first opportunity to rootle through her personal belongings until you find the evidence you require?
Mary Killen
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