ill-advised by Bill Nighy Pocket Squares Make Me Uneasy
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Dec 4, 2025 A whimsical romp through social awkwardness and style dilemmas. Topics include how to handle strangers joining you at lunch, what to do when you forget names, and the odd discomfort with the colour yellow. He debates pocket squares, hats, and whether jeans pair with a jacket. There are also picks from a soulful playlist and a recommendation for Len Deighton’s Berlin Game.
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Protect Your Solo Meal Time
- If someone joins you at lunch, assert boundaries and say you're enjoying a moment of privacy.
- If necessary, stand up and move to another table to avoid unwanted conversation.
Repeated Interruptions While Dining Alone
- Bill describes a long history of dining alone and being interrupted by proprietors who pity him.
- He sometimes abandons restaurants or leaves when people persist in sitting and chatting.
Say You Need Privacy, Firmly
- If joining behavior is persistent, tell the person politely you're enjoying privacy and ask them to respect it.
- Tailor wording to be firm but civil depending on the situation.
