DEAR ABBY: My friend and I have a massage therapist, "Shelby," whom we hire on a regular basis because she does an excellent job. However, it's hard to get a completely relaxing massage because she likes to talk the whole time.
What's the nicest and most polite way to inform Shelby that we prefer peace and quiet so we can enjoy the massage? -- RUBBED THE WRONG WAY IN COLORADO
DEAR RUBBED THE WRONG WAY: Shelby is not your buddy; she's a professional who has been hired to perform a service. When you make your next appointment and she starts talking, say, "Shelby, when you talk during the massage, it makes it difficult for me to relax. Right now, I need to completely relax, and conversation is distracting." If that doesn't clearly -- and politely -- convey your message, then you need to find a massage therapist who is less verbal.