When we lose loved ones we try to keep them alive in our mind. How?
By keeping them alive in our heart.
Christine Kerr, Marrickville, NSW, Australia
• I find it helps to consult them when I have a major life decision to make.
Margaret Wilkes, Perth, Western Australia
• The tiniest visual hint will bring them to mind, such as when you spot something that he or she once loved.
Richard Orlando, Westmount, Quebec, Canada
• With a smile, a re-creation of the good times and gratitude.
Charlie Bamforth, Davis, California, US
• In the case of my father: by emulating his habits, even (especially?) the ones I used to find annoying.
Jonathan Knowles, Kolsås, Norway
• Mindfulness.
André Gauthier, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• It’s nothing we do; they just simply hang around.
Kate Light, Motueka, New Zealand
• By repeating their precious little habits.
Gerldine Dodgson, Pauanui, New Zealand
• Just look up to the heavens and smile.
David Tucker, Halle, Germany
• By remembering that the one we loved is still alive, but in a finer dimension.
C McCutcheon, Loule, Portugal
It’s really worth fighting for
What makes an idea worthy of a sacrifice?
• The social benefit that it creates.
Philip Stigger, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
• Brainwashing.
Anthony Walter, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
• If that idea becomes a cause worth fighting for.
Marilyn Hamilton, Perth, Western Australia
• Its promulgation by a charismatic charlatan who promises you heaven.
Paul Broady, Christchurch, New Zealand
• Unwavering and tested faith in it.
Nicholas Albrecht, Paris, France
Don’t overcook the custard
When does infatuation turn to love?
When the recipient of your sighs returns the favour.
Kate Henderson, Kingwood, Texas, US
• Usually, too early.
Giorgio Ranalli, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Like any custard, when the temperature is right. But beware! Cook it too long and it will curdle.
Stuart Williams, Lilongwe, Malawi
• The second time around.
David King, Dundas, Ontario, Canada
• With time, if at all.
Charlie Pearson, Portland, Oregon, US
• When wanting him/her for yourself turns to wanting him/her for his/herself.
Barney Smith, Bristol, UK
• When it resonates, osculates, dissonates, assonates, consonates, waves upon waves upon waves.
Janet Dowling, London, UK
• With good fortune, somewhere between the first page and the last.
Dennis Carter, Kyneton, Victoria, Australia
• On the way home from the kennels.
Rick Bzowy, Swansea, Tasmania, Australia
Any answers?
Singers sing, performers perform. Does personal life ever affect them?
E Slack, L’Isle Jourdain, France
Is there anything better than chamomile tea at bedtime?
John Geffroy, Las Vegas, New Mexico, US
Send answers and more questions to weekly.nandq@theguardian.com
