Q. I was fishing in the Highlands and had to take a two-hour taxi from Inverness to the cottage where I was staying. In such a situation, how does one silence a well-meaning but overly chatty driver?
— Marcus W., London
A. Ideally, you should take more of an interest in people. However, if you really dread such conversations on long taxi journeys, then make a point of entering the car wearing a windproof jacket (such as a Barbour) and a hat, regardless of forecast and condition. In this way, if it should turn out that the driver is a bit garrulous, you can chat animatedly for a short while before confiding that you suddenly feel a bit carsick and ask if you can open the window. You will find that the buffeting makes conversation all but impossible. Meanwhile your Barbour and hat will enable you to beat the chill.
Q.
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