Q. I would like to matchmake two singleton neighbours. They have absolutely everything in common, except their social class and their politics, but they are in the same line of work and both enjoy the same fairly unusual hobby. I know they would adore each other. In order to introduce them – do you advise I have a lunch for a small or large number of people? And should I sit them next to or opposite one another? 

— N.D., Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire

A. When potential matchmakees hail from contrasting milieus, their first meeting should not take place in a ‘battlefield’ scenario. Instead, issue a casual invitation to both to join you on a longish walk. Give them only a sketchy account of what they have in common and no hint that you are matchmaking. As their shared interests emerge on the walk, they may well be sparked into romantic enthusiasm. If this happens, then invite them to lunch or dinner and seat them opposite one another. 

Q. I recently spent 15 hours sitting for a portrait. It was not a commission – I was just helping the artist to keep his eye in. The finished result is a partial success, and although the artist seems reluctant to sell it, I would like to buy it on the grounds that I am unlikely ever to sit for a portrait again. Given that I have done half of the work (unpaid), and that no one else would want a portrait of me, would it be reasonable to offer half of what this artist would normally charge for a commissioned portrait? 

— Name and address withheld

A. I have run your query past the artist Richard Foster, who pronounces that ‘both sitter and painter always feel that a portrait could be just that bit better. The picture is constantly being criticised – as part of its production – so it takes time to realise that it is not a bad effort’. Foster, who opens a show next week in St James’s, says: ‘You can reasonably propose that you pay a reduced price but let the artist set this price and do not quibble. When a bullying industrialist tried to “beat down” Pietro Annigoni for a portrait of his daughter, Annigoni refused to sell it to him at all and the portrait went to a rival industrialist who had never even met the sitter.’ 

Q. I can’t bear children’s parties and drop my children off hoping against hope I won’t be expected to stay. Somehow I have often ended up in a soft play hellscape for hours on end as there can be social pressure to stick around. Mary, is there a failsafe way out?

— M.G., London W6

A. Sigh with disappointment as you drop the children off, saying: ‘Sadly I’ve got to rush. I’ve got an appointment with my GP – and these days you have to take what time they offer, even if it clashes with a social event!’

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