Greetings, Abby I learned to appreciate and take care of tools from my beloved uncle, a machinist.
I have a neat workshop in my garage, even though I ended up in tech.
I frequently receive comments on it, and I’m unsure of how to react. People occasionally bring it up in social settings, but passersby also feel free to make remarks like, “Your garage is so organized, I could eat off your garage floor, and My garage sure doesn’t look like this.”
I think it’s none of their business because it’s within my house.
Should I give them praise, condone their choice to not clean their own garage, or what?
There is an awkward silence while people wait for my reaction, even though I don’t feel the need to defend, explain, or even thank them for their insights. Any recommendations? — SAN FRANCISCO AWKWARD
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
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Dear Abby: Couple s failing relationship has wife falling for telephone buddy
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Dear Abby: When my retired best friend got a boyfriend, I found her pulling away from me
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Dear Abby: I can t forgive my sister for turning my quiet wedding into a drunken party
Greetings, AWKWARD Indeed. Leaving your garage door open invites others to stop and take a look. Saying “thank you” is the appropriate way to reply to a compliment. You should give it a try.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
