DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a few old friends scattered around the country who will only talk on the phone if they’re actively doing something else. This leads to a variety of acoustic challenges: wind or traffic noise, transactions with shopkeepers, dishes banging, etc.

One of my oldest friends even says, when I call, “Wait, I’ll put on my headset and go walking.” The call instantly deteriorates in sound quality. When I complained that it was taxing to always have to discern background clatter from her words, she protested, “Well, I can’t just TALK to you!”

I am guilty of this, too — I once found myself playing chess online while speaking to my mother — but I do sometimes wish there was a way around this modern habit of constant multitasking.

I should add that it seems odd and unfriendly to require all parties to give me their full attention while I speak to them.

GENTLE READER: Yes, we are all guilty of this. Well, almost all. And yes, some are better at disguising it than others.

But phone calls that sound like they are coming from a wind tunnel — or worse, ones that are interrupted by screams of “You CHOWDER-HEADED FLAPDOODLE! No, not you. I was talking to this KNOW-NOTHING!” — are not the successful examples of multitasking they think they are.

Miss Manners suggests that if it becomes too distracting, you offer to call back or meet up in person. Preferably indoors and away from traffic.

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.