Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colours that are but skin-deep.

The things that damage people rarely arrive looking damaging. What is offered is bright and easy to say yes to, and the trouble underneath is not visible at the point of decision. Depth of appeal and depth of substance are unrelated.

When something looks unusually attractive, slow down by one day and look for what is not being shown: the terms, the person’s history, what happens in month six. Ask who benefits if you say yes quickly. Anything genuinely good will still be there tomorrow.