Granted that, in any circumstances, covertly touching up members of the opposite sex is hardly good form, we have to say that many males are liable to take the view that there’s no harm in trying it on. And besides, it is said some women like what is intended, however misguidedly, as flattery of their femininity.

One strategy to recommend to Love Stories readers, whom I hope will have no truck with the above case, is to wait for the noise level of the general conversation at the party to rise to a volume at which a polite remark, while being perfectly audible to the neighbouring nuisance, is likely to be missed by the company.

You may say that a joke is a joke but he has misread the script, or mistaken his quarry, or simply that you are not enjoying the experience. The aim is to keep smiling all the while. If you can manage a put-down joke in language that doesn’t compound the impropriety, well done.

Another means that regrettably works only at a free and easy gathering is to ask if trading places is allowed, and, if so, you would love to move along to be with so and so as you have been longing for a chat.

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