Your Problems Solved
Dear Maly Q. lam frequently invited to book launches. I always make a point of buying a copy of the book in question and leave the party with every enthusiastic intention of reading it. Yet these books tend to lie about on my coffee table unread, making me feel slightly guilty and embarrassed. I wonder whether, in these circumstances, should I really go to these parties at all?
A.B., London W8 A. Take steps to discipline yourself in the following way: each time you accept an invitation to a book launch make sure you keep the following day completely clear Therefore if someone asks you to lunch on Wednesday, say, 'Sony, I'm going to a book launch on Tuesday night, so I need to keep eight hours free on the Wednesday to actually read the book' Set the time aside as though you are back at school — even sit at a desk if necessary or go to the library. Although this approach will annoy your friends they will also admire and envy your resolve — to say nothing of your achievement.
Q. I sometimes have to take part in international conference calls. As a woman I am able to multi-task and can be getting on with quite a lot of things at my end of the telephone while still concentrating on what is being said at the meeting on the other side of the globe. I can text people back on my 'set to silent' mobile, but occasionally I am frustrated to see landline numbers flashing repeatedly up on the screen because it is impossible to call such people back. The same thing happens during school plays. What do other people do about this, Mary?
E.A., Basingstoke A. You can send 'voice texts' to such people. Simply type in your message and send it to the landline number which has been plaguing you. A robotic voice will convey whatever message you have entered. The elderly are alarmed by voice texts but the rest of the populace is becoming quickly accustomed.
Q. I work with someone who I really adore and I would be devastated if our relationship became uneasy, but the fact is that I fancy him a lot and would like to be going out with him not just getting on really well with him. I can tell he likes me too, and we sit next to each other in the office and go for drinks after work but so far nothing has happened and we have never even kissed each other on the cheek. How can I find out whether he just likes me, or whether he actually fancies me too? He is quite an old-fashioned type (despite being only 25).
Name and address withheld A. Take a travel sickness pill just before close of play at work one day. Choose a brand which recommends you do not operate machinely. Pretend you have taken two (rather than one) by mistake, thinking they were aspirin. Ask the young man to escort you home since you feel groggy. Slump against him in the taxi or bus and ask him to support you as you walk Fear of rejection may have prevented him from making a physical overture towards you so far; but this approach will hand him a degree of physical intimacy on a plate. If he fails subsequently to take things further there will be no harm done with regard to your professional relationship.
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