The subject touches a bit of a raw nerve with me. I truely hope that whether I am single or not won’t stop people interested in me approaching me – and, heaven forbid, even in these enlightened times – to let a friendship blossom. It most certainly has never stopped me. I think it sad that so many people always assume there is a sexual element to a relationship between a man and a woman. Most of my best friends are men; I have only ever bedded one of them – I was married to him at the time.

Admittedly, it takes a strong woman to allow another woman a friendship with her partner/husband; just as it takes a strong confident man to let his partner have a relationship with another man.

Just now I have struck up a somewhat unusual association; I was told in no uncertain terms that if we got together the first thing he’d do is to “forbid” me any further indulgence with male friends – whether in person, by email, or commenting on a blog; mind you, I dare say, being as extreme as that is a cultural thing – my sister has strongly advised me not to board that train; and I won’t.

AJ, when I come and see you in your dusty bookshop I won’t wear a pin but I most certainly will speak to you. I am actually writing a paper on the subject of friendship between a man and a woman – will let you see the draft when it has taken shape.

U