27 MARCH 2004, Page 87

Q. Despite the fact that I have been attending parties

for many years, I have not yet mastered the art of laughing at jokes that I do not find remotely funny. Can you think of any solutions?

Name and address withheld A. It is well known in humorist circles that many of those who are in clear possession of a sense of humour do not necessarily respond to funniness by laughing. Indeed, a smile never breaches the lips of one of our leading humorists. Instead she reacts to good jokes with an expressionless face, shaking her head sagely and intoning That's very funny' in a slow and monotonous voice. You could adapt this method to your own use since it gives the impression that the joke is so profoundly funny that it is beyond smiling or laughing at.