27 DECEMBER 2003, Page 55

Q. Is it now considered wrong, in these less sexist

times, to address Christmas cards to the woman of the household? Should the envelope now bear the names of all those to whom good wishes are being sent?

W.T., Devizes, Wiltshire A. No, you should continue addressing envelopes containing all social communications to the woman of a household only. This practice originated in the days when women controlled the social diary, but is still appropriate today, since men, thinking women are mind readers, often dispose of social correspondence before it has been shown to others whom it concerns.