Dear Annie:

Last week, my husband and I went to a wonderful concert. But I knew I was not going to enjoy it to the fullest when the woman beside me started to hum. We had great seats that were costly. I wanted to ask this woman to keep quiet, but decided against it. I thought of having an usher speak to her, but I didn't want to stand up and interrupt other people's enjoyment of the concert.

This is not the first time something like this has happened. Once, during "The Nutcracker," a mother sitting behind us explained the whole play to her daughter, yakking throughout the entire performance. What is the best way to deal with annoying people at a public performance? － Hummed Out in Prospect, Conn.

Dear Prospect:

We're going to give a semi-pass to the woman who explained "The Nutcracker" to her daughter because that performance is intended for children and it helps if they understand what is going on. However, she should have done it more quietly. As for the Hummer, it is OK to say politely, "I'm sure you don't realize your humming is audible. I'd be grateful if you'd tone it down." If she won't stop, it's worth finding an usher. Some people arrogantly believe the price of a ticket entitles them to disturb everyone else. It does not.