2 FEBRUARY 2002, Page 59

Q. I live in the sort of street where the

neighbours don't talk to one another. An extremely good-looking man has moved in across the road, and is apparently living alone. How can I make his acquaintance?

CS., London W12 A. Knock on his door and apologise for bothering him. Indicate your house and explain that you have been told that a letter intended for you has been wrongly addressed with 'the right road, the wrong number'. Extract from him an agreement to look out for the letter and bring it across to you when it arrives 'and have a drink and I'll tell you all about the area'. Then post yourself a letter at his address. Carry on posting such letters until you manage to entice him in. For reasons of emotional security, romantic liaisons between neighbours often lead to marriage.