Any advice on how to handle people who talk while others are trying to sing? I was trying to sing a quiet, sweet song as New Year's Eve waned, but there was a woman talking quite loudly. I couldn't really hear myself, so I sang a little louder. And each time I raised my volume, she raised hers even more.

Now that it's over, I keep thinking of things I should have done. Maybe I should have stopped in the middle of the song and said, "@#$%, Shut Up!" But that would have spoiled the mood I was trying to create with the song. Of course, my straining to sing over her talking certainly did not enhance the song - so maybe I should have stopped and told her off. I also thought of making up a verse or two that would apply to her rudeness.

I finally handled the matter by sending the woman an email this morning. I described what she had done, without characterizing it or her as rude and all the other things I was thinking. This is not the first time this woman this woman has interfered with my singing. I tried to deal with her gently in the past because she has a very fragile ego, but now I've had it. I told her point-blank that if she ever interfered with my singing again, I would embarrass her publicly.

People often act like it's a terrible thing to threaten another person. But sometimes, threats are necessary. And it she ever interferes with my singing again, I will fulfill my threat.

-Joe-