ArcaMax

I have asked him to make calls away from me. It's just easier to take the phone in another room than it is to take the TV into another room.

Am I wrong to dislike this immensely? Is there something I can say to persuade him to make his calls in another room? Please advise.

-- Don't Want to Hear It

Dear Don't Want: Taking a call while in the presence of others is one thing. (When doing so, it is polite to say, "Oh, this is Kevin from work; do you mind if I take it?") Then you take your phone to a quiet place where you can concentrate on the call, and not bother others.

There is no justification for making a call in front of other people, certainly in a large house where there are many places to perch. That's. Just. Rude.

It is also tough to concentrate on a phone conversation where there are other noisy distractions. So why would your husband do this in front of the TV?

If your husband decides to make a call while you are both in the television room, first ask him, "Hey, honey, could you do that in the other room?" If he refuses, you would be justified in turning up the sound on the television so that you could continue to hear it.

Dear Amy: You gave "Befuddled" an idea for how to divide family belongings after her death.

I've been through this and have decided that things are just that -- things. I won't let someone else's greed, etc., ruin any relationship. It's not worth it.

You never see a U-Haul following a hearse.

-- Ann

Dear Ann: Wise.

========

(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)