So there I was, having just polished off a very pleasing coffee and almond croissant in The Great Institution of Wicklow Street, also known as Le Perroquet cafe, when I had an interesting exchange with one of the waitresses.

I had made my way to the counter with a view to settling my affairs and asked as to the whereabouts of the device which would scan my card. ‘It’s just here’’ came the reply. Politely I made the point that I was still none the wiser with regard to my query. The situation was resolved quite quickly with a little more information and all was soon well.

As I wandered back to The Ranch along Wicklow Street, it occurred to me that a little more understanding is needed when it comes to the whole business of dealing with those of us who are a little different.