Whether or not the Ulster Unionists sit down at the table opposite Sinn Fein, only agree to attend if they can sit in another room, or refuse to talk to anyone but the British government, may not matter that much.

ECONOMIST: Sinn Fein comes on board

They sit in the living room, on opposite sides of the sectional.

NEWYORKER: Playdate

Have you ever noticed that when two people sit at a table, they often choose chairs on opposite sides?

FORBES: Want Collaboration? Watch Where You Sit.

She could not drive to such an office in her own car, or even sit in it if that might mean mingling with the opposite sex.

ECONOMIST: Kuwait's mould-breaking election