Q. Flatmates who refuse to wash up can be a
real bore (2 October). You advised poor T.M. to leave washing-up of his own in the sink before going away in order to turn the tables. I have also found it effective in the past simply to leave dirty plates under my filthy Ilatmate's bed. Unless he is away for a serious length of time, the scent of rotting food should be confined to his bedroom. If you're especially upset by his manners, make sure you eat kippers.
J. D., London Wle Q. I have two questions. First, when I am the first to show up at a swanky restaurant where I am meeting friends, is it permissible to read at the table while waiting? And second, I have just got caller ID on my telephone which displays the name and number of the person calling. When I know who it is, should I say hello to that person by name when I answer, or should I play dumb?
A.K., San Francisco, USA A. To your first question, it is considerate, indeed almost de rigueur, to use reading matter when waiting for someone in a restaurant. You will otherwise have to focus your gaze on fellow diners, thus making them feel uncomfortable because they feel sony fbr you sitting there bored and lonely — and wonied that maybe your prince will never come. Ifyou are communing with literature, or even newsprint, they can continue to relax And to your second question — many people have caller ID these days, but there are equally many who don't. The latter can feel wrong-footed or confused when robbed of the surprise factor of announcing themselves to their telephonee. Therefore, even when you know who is calfing, it is kinder to bite your tongue and simply say 'hello' when answering. Play dumb, as you put it.
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