Q. My sister has married in later life and we all like her husband. They have moved nearby and now join us in a weekly pub quiz. I am not competitive but just enjoy taking part. My brother-in-law went to Harvard, and although I went to St Mary’s Wantage I seem to be able to hold my own when socialising with very bright people and have never felt ‘inadequate’. At the quiz, however, whenever there is a trivia question on pop or soap operas he looks at me and says, ‘Go on – you’ll know this one.’ I shouldn’t mind this but I find it maddening.

– O.I., London SW13

A. Chippiness is the wrong response. Instead roll gracefully with the punches and each time there is a really difficult question, turn the spotlight on him saying, ‘Go on – you’ll know this one!’ This will be a better punishment as, due to the nature of pub quizzes, he invariably won’t know the answers to at least half of them.

Q. My dear son sent me a bunch of peonies for my birthday, but despite my best attentions they did not open. The same thing happened on my last birthday. There was no indication on the delivery of the name of the florist, but I would like to ring them as I think they should know a customer is dissatisfied. I don’t want to upset my son, though, so how can I find out who they are?

– M.B., London SW11

A. Tell your son that a friend who has been to your house has admired the peonies and would like to have some sent to her own mother. Could he supply the name of the florist?

Q. We went out for dinner with two friends, and I insisted on paying as they are always hosting us. I know my husband thinks it is ‘common’ to look at a restaurant bill before paying it, so I just handed over my card. When we got home and I looked at the bill I found that I had paid around £70 in mistaken charges for things like glasses of champagne that we definitely had not had, as well as for double cover charges. How can I avoid this happening again?

– S.G., York

A. The whole point of not looking at a restaurant bill is that the host does not want his guests to feel uncomfortable about how much money is leaving his account and therefore wants to minimise the time spent on the transaction. However, today there is more scope for cock-ups and blunders since career waiters are mostly a thing of the past. If you are paying, excuse yourself as if going to the loo and ask for your bill at whatever ‘pay station’ you can find. This will give you the chance to quibble discreetly should anything be wrong.