DEAR MISS MANNERS: I've asked my elderly neighbor (three times) not to call me Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, owing to the fact that I have a home business and can't be disturbed during that time.
I have an old phone so I don't have caller ID. I don't think I should have to get a new phone just to screen calls.
Despite my request, she continues to call me during the weekdays. Having her not respect my wishes is upsetting to me. What can I do to get her to stop calling me during the weekdays?
GENTLE READER: The confusion may be that you are saying one thing and doing another. Every time your neighbor calls, you answer, demonstrating conclusively that you are, in fact, available.
Miss Manners feels it is time for a dramatization. Next time she calls, excuse yourself and put down the phone without hanging up. When you return, apologize for being so busy, explaining that it is the middle of your working day. Several such interruptions should make the point without your having to resort to play-acting irate but imaginary customers.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)