DEAR MISS MANNERS: We live near a university campus with walking trails -- some paved, some heavily wooded. Many locals and students take advantage of them daily. Between my energetic dog and my fast pace, we often catch up to other walkers from behind. I hate to startle them by suddenly appearing next to them, but this situation happens frequently.

I intentionally make some noise as I approach to give them a heads-up, but they don’t always hear me. And if they do, even that noise startles them.

What should someone do in this situation? It’s made more challenging by the high number of people using earbuds, who are completely surprised. I do wish people were more aware, especially in the secluded areas.

GENTLE READER: You are doing what needs to be done.

Miss Manners is happy to remind

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