7 JANUARY 2006, Page 35

Q. One of my friends has become a counsellor. Now

when I see her at dinner parties she often tells me that I am ‘codependant’ or ‘repressed’ or suffering from having ‘blurred boundaries’. She then warms to her theme and carries on with it even when I fail to engage. How can I tactfully steer her away from this line of conversation, or rather monologue, and back to the general discussion, chatter and gossip which is more appropriate to the dinner table?

L.G., Fosbury, Wilts A. Interrupt her, pleading ‘You really mustn’t tell me any more. It’s not fair for me to have all this advice free. If you tell me any more I’ll have no option but to write you a cheque.’ This should staunch her flow.