Dear Eric: Is there a way to politely ask someone to use headphones when listening to media on their device in public?

– Wish You Were on Mute

Dear Mute: Polite, sure. Effective? Doubtful. When you find yourself in these situations, you can try saying something like “I’m having trouble concentrating, would you mind putting in headphones?” or even simply, “Your media is loud; could you listen to it privately?” But if someone is happily blasting a TikTok or cooking video on the bus, train, sidewalk, chances are they’re that most dangerous combination – aware and don’t care.

Grab some noise-canceling headphones and preserve your peace.

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Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.