17 JULY 2004, Page 55

Q. I went to a party the other night where

I knew so many people that it was impossible to speak more than a sentence to any one of them without one of us being interrupted by someone else passing by and pausing to say hello. Other than donning two sets of blinkers for every conversation, what can one do in a situation like that, Mary?

Name withheld, London W11 A. Sit in your car outside the party. Intercept your special friends as they are coming and going and invite them to join you for a chat.