DEAR ABBY: I'm in college for interior design. A woman I have many classes with is making class time unbearable. She frequently interrupts the instructor, or says "uh-huh" repeatedly during lectures. It's very distracting. I counted once, and she did it 100 times in one class -- no exaggeration.
She also laughs very loudly at things that are not remotely funny, eavesdrops on other people's conversations and interjects when her opinion is not asked for or wanted. Even our instructors are frustrated with her. When we have critiques of our work -- which is quite often -- she's rude and uncalled-for in her critique, which is funny because her work is less than remedial, at best.
This woman is in her 40s. Most of my classmates are in their 20s and 30s. Is she mentally unstable or just socially inept? How should we deal with someone who grates on everyone's nerves? I have tried ignoring her and giving her unsubtle hints that she's being out of line. Some of my classmates have talked to our instructors about her and nothing came of it. I'm at the end of my rope. I dread every class I have with her. Please help. -- DESIGN STUDENT IN SAN FRANCISCO
DEAR DESIGN STUDENT: You have described a person who is sorely lacking in social skills. She appears to be unable to pick up on the normal "cues" that guide most people's social interaction, which is very sad for her, because if she plans a career in interior design, she will have to successfully interact with many different kinds of people.
You and some of the other students should go back to your instructors and explain to them how disruptive and distracting the woman's behavior has been. If nothing is done, complain to the head of the department. However, if the problem can't be remedied, you may have to grit your teeth, remember that these classes are not forever, and keep as far away from her as you can.