Whistle-stop idea

QI get very annoyed by people not looking where they’re going when they’re approaching you on the pavement – usually because they’re looking at their phones. I find that whistling a tune loudly is a brilliant way of diverting them. Because so few people whistle these days, they think it’s quaint/oddball – so look on you kindly, not aggressively. Norman, by email

Hmm. You’re right – they will look on you as an oddball, and sometimes they’ll feel alarmed to be approached by a loud, whistling bloke. For bloke I see you are. I think it would be even more weird if I, a woman, were to stride down the street whistling. Walking and whistling – no, it’s not the norm. My tip is to keep clear of the browsers or just plough on – the phone addicts usually have a sensitive aura around them so they know to get out of the way, if you can keep your nerve till the last minute.

Please email me your problems at problempage@theoldie.co.uk – I will answer every email that comes in; and let me know if you would like your dilemma to be confidential