Yes, I'm Old Enough To Know Who Yehudi Menuhin is

"Dear Lily, my partner has taken up the violin as a hobby after watching Yehudi Menuhin on YouTube. He’s driving me mad with his incessant practicing. How do I gently encourage him to find a quieter pastime?"

Dear Harmonious Hopeful,

Oh, my dear, I can just imagine your plight—a symphony of screeching strings echoing through your home like a flock of distressed cockatoos! But fear not, I have a few suggestions that might help you guide your partner towards a more harmonious hobby without ruffling any feathers.

First, have a heart-to-heart with your partner. Choose a moment when they're not in the middle of a violin practice session, and approach the conversation with a gentle and understanding tone. Share your feelings about the noise, while also acknowledging their passion for the instrument. You might say something like, "I love that you've found a new hobby, but I'm struggling a bit with the noise levels during your practice sessions."

Next, offer a compromise. Perhaps you could agree on specific practice times when you'll be out of the house or engaged in another activity that drowns out the sound, like watching Home & Away with the volume turned up. Alternatively, you could explore soundproofing options for the practice room, such as adding acoustic foam or installing noise-reducing curtains.

Now, if you're keen to nudge your partner towards a quieter pastime, you might gently suggest exploring other hobbies that are more soothing to the ears. You could encourage them to try painting, gardening, or even taking up a mellower instrument, like the enchanting sounds of the Australian didgeridoo.

Whatever the outcome, it's essential to maintain open communication and support your partner's interests while also setting healthy boundaries. With a little patience, understanding, and compromise, you'll soon find a solution that strikes the right chord for both of you.

Wishing you peace and harmony,

Lily Wren