I am occasionally accused of being too nice about people. This column is apparently far too full of sycophantic adjectives used to describe those I meet as I go about my business in the City of London each week.

It has been pointed out to me that it is simply not possible for every woman I meet to be attractive and every man charming. I agree, but guess what? I filter out the ones whose company I don't enjoy and banish them from my presence (and my mind) as soon as I am able. I take no pleasure in being rude about people and if I have criticisms, I keep them largely to myself and certainly wouldn't dream of putting them into print.