My wife is a superb cook. For years, we have enjoyed a very nice social life because she has invited couples like us over for dinner, and then the invitation has been reciprocated, and so our lives have rolled along smoothly and pleasantly for years.

But something has changed. For the past several months, my wife has refused to cook for guests, and has suggested that I do the cooking.

Of course, I know absolutely nothing about the matter, nor do I want to learn. Consequently, the invitations from other couples is dwindling, as is our social life.

I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed those visits back and forth, and how much our lives were centred around them. But I am hopeless in the kitchen. 

Yours truly,

Starving for contact

Dear Starving:

You seem able to put one word together with the next, and reading a recipe book requires that basic skill, so your case is not hopeless.

Pick out the meal that you love the most, and learn how to prepare all of its ingredients.  Then get busy, practicing in the kitchen.

The first thing to do is reconnoitre. Find out where the equipment lives. Always put it back in the same place, just as you would in your own tool shed. Start out with what seems to you to be the easiest part of your favourite meal.

Then make it over and over and over again, until you can do it without thinking about it. Then proceed to the next dish, and practice it.

It will be interesting to observe your wife’s response to your efforts.

Keep in touch. 

Dear Gabby:

I am a famous writer, hiding out here for a while in a rented cabin. My problem is that I have hit a dry period.

You seem to be quite free, even glib, in your use of the English language, even meeting time deadlines, which is what finally dried me up … the pressure.

What would you suggest?

Regards,

Dry Patch on Gabriola

Dear Patch:

GLIB?????????????????   You call me glib? And then you expect help?

I am thinking many expletives, which you can imagine if you like.

Dear Gabby:

There are several people on the ferry that seem to be so intriguing, but I am shy and don’t know how to approach them to start up a conversation.

Some of them seem to have an invisible shield around them, and some seem so contented in their silence, or so engaged in their conversations with others, that it seems impossible to talk to them.

What should I do? 

Yours,

Tongue Tied

Dear Tied:

Start out with smiling at anyone looking in your direction, then go back to reading a book or whatever.

If they maintain eye contact, say something about the weather. That will identify you as a legitimate Canadian.

If someone actually speaks to you, reply briefly.

Also, there is a subtle, but specific, dress code. Observe, learn, and adapt.

Keep in touch.