Urban Diplomat

My next-door neighbour has been on something of a sex bender since her divorce. Normally, this is something I would fully support, but we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, and she seems to meet a new guy on Tinder every week. She told me she asks whether they’ve been socially distancing or have any symptoms, but I’m not convinced that’s an airtight screening method. How can I broach the subject of safety with her?

—Tinder Loving Care, Roncesvalles

catching the virus outdoors. If all that fails, you’ll just have to accept her decision. She’ll miss out more than your six-year-old will—he’ll no doubt be too hopped up on cake and ice cream to notice.

Dear Urban Diplomat,

The owner of my local coffee shop is a really great guy who makes such amazing cortados that I’ve been a devoted patron of his establishment for almost three years. But I’ve noticed that he always wears his mask below his nose— and sometimes down under his chin.

Not only is he putting everyone at risk, his negligence when it comes to at-work Covid protocol makes me question how seriously he’s social distancing outside the shop. Should I switch shops, give him a gentle reminder, call public health?

—Venti Problemo, the Annex

Wearing a mask under one’s nose is a well-established Covid fail, but it’s completely inexcusable for someone in the food-service industry. Typically, I’d urge you to get out there and find a more conscientious barista. In this case, it sounds like your loyalty to cortado guy runs deep, so I suggest you address the issue head-on. Start by complimenting his fancy foamwork, then hit him with a shot of “But I noticed a little mask slippage.” If he wants to keep your business, he’ll get the message.

Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com