DEAR MISS MANNERS: Thirty years ago, I embarked on a career as a professional pilot. Early on, I changed careers, although I kept flying for pleasure.

I have purchased a small airplane and was not prepared for the seemingly endless stream of unsolicited advice from my acquaintances, friends and family to “not kill” myself and my spouse. My aunt expressed concern that I would “JFK Jr.” myself in an airplane.

While many of these people don’t know that I flew professionally in the past, I still find these comments distasteful and disrespectful. Is there a polite way to shut down these conversations?

GENTLE READER: “I doubt that I would have been issued a pilot’s license if I didn’t know what I was doing. I can’t speak for poor Mr. Kennedy, but I gather that you would prefer not to fly with me.”

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.