Nigeria, May 9 -- My wife and I are hardly fixtures within Houston's high society and vibrant social circles. By temperament, we gravitate toward a quieter and more restrained lifestyle, though my wife occasionally jokes that this conservatism was less a natural inclination and more a substantial concession for marrying this boring geezer. I neither contest the accusation nor apologise for it. Still, from time to time, we emerge from our carefully guarded cocoon to honour invitations and celebrate important milestones with friends and acquaintances.

Not too long ago, we attended the birthday celebration in honour of one of my wife's old schoolmates. What ought to have been a warm evening of laughter and genuine human connection unfolded ...