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Everyone gets the urge to cough now and then. Worrying about disturbing
your fellow listeners is a laudable impulse, but don't let it ruin your
enjoyment of the concert. There's a funny thing about coughing—the less
worried you are about it, the less likely you are to feel the urge! So
chances are you'll feel less need to cough if you're prepared:
- Be sure to visit the water fountain in the lobby before the concert,
and at intermission.
- If you have a cold, take some cough medicine in
advance and bring wax paper-wrapped—or unwrapped—lozenges with you.
Have a few out and ready when the music begins.
- Allow yourself to
become involved in listening to the music and in watching the
performers.
The more you are absorbed in what's going on, the less
likely you are to cough.
Still, if you absolutely can't restrain yourself, try to wait for the end of a
movement. Or "bury" your cough in a loud passage of music.
If this is
impossible, and you feel a coughing fit coming on, it's perfectly
acceptable to quietly exit the concert hall. Don't be embarrassed—your
fellow listeners will probably appreciate your concern for their
listening experience.
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