Everyday life

Dear Mary: What must I do to reclaim the best poolside chair?

27 July 2013 9:00 am

Q. I know this seems petty but last year, on our villa holiday, my brother-in-law always took the best chair…

Nigel Farndale’s diary: The dread moment when they announce next year's school fees

20 July 2013 9:00 am

Next time I’m in a sauna I’m going to say: ‘It’s like a school sports hall on prize day in…

Can I turn the West London Free School into Fame Academy?

20 July 2013 9:00 am

‘Another opening, another show,’ sang five-year-old Charlie on his way to school this morning — and then proceeded to belt…

Dear Mary: Why it's fine to crash funerals

20 July 2013 9:00 am

Q. Regarding the writing of ‘no presents’ on an invitation (Dear Mary, 6 July), my own experience is that many…

Dear Mary: How can I stop friends from coming to my book launch?

13 July 2013 9:00 am

Q.  I have far too many friends to be able to invite them all to my forthcoming book launch. How…

It’s the secret of a successful marriage: my wife treats me like a dog

6 July 2013 9:00 am

‘Here, Wolf,’ says the Fawn to me, showing me a saucer. ‘Look at this! This is the new place where…

Dear Mary: How can I stop my friends giving me Christmas presents?

6 July 2013 9:00 am

Q. Over the years my close friends locally have been giving each other birthday and Christmas presents. Now, as I…