Hear hear, Adrian Chiles (I am through with hugs and kisses. Handshakes are the only answer, 9 November) – there’s far too much of it. I was brought up a proper Lancastrian Primitive Methodist war baby. No one hugged or kissed. First contact was ballroom dancing lessons at our sister school, but even then there was a decorous gap. First French-kissed on stage at 22, when I knew from my actor father that you miss. Reader, I married her. Keith Barnes Frome, Somerset Having done in-depth plant research over a year, mostly by reading Gynelle Leon’s articles (Houseplant of the week, 10 November), I can reveal that 84% of houseplants prefer “bright, indirect sunlight”. Could someone pop round to my house and show me a spot that provides this elusive (possibly mythical) environment? Phil Robinson Bristol At this time of year, the best fun activity is kicking your way through piles of leaves or throwing handfuls at your nearest and dearest (How long since I last had fun? I remember a time in 2017…, 12 November). Iain Noble Guisborough, North Yorkshire Re tongue-twisters (Letters, 10 November), my mother recommended: “The Leith police dismisseth us for stealing six thick thistle-sticks.” John Horgan Dublin, Ireland A fitting memorial to those who died in the Grenfell disaster would be to build 72 homes for permanent rent (Grenfell commission proposes permanent memorial to replace tower, 11 November). Margaret Dakin Penistone, South Yorkshire