DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do I tell my friend to go away and leave me alone? I need my alone time to recharge, but she will keep talking and bothering me, especially during lunch at the studio where I work.

She loves to eat spicy chips and they smell gross, and I don’t think she has ever chewed with her mouth closed. Other than that, she is a good friend.

How do I tell her to just GO AWAY when I want to eat my food in peace?

GENTLE READER: Tell her that meeting at the studio is not a viable option for you. It is your workplace and not a place you like to eat socially.

Then, just one time to show goodwill, offer to go out to lunch instead. Miss Manners cannot guarantee that your friend will keep her mouth closed while she eats there, either, but if you choose the restaurant wisely, perhaps you can avoid one that serves gross-smelling snacks.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.