Dear Abby: Strangers feel entitled to comment on the appearance of my garage

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 comments. My garage doesn’t look like this, yet yours is so well-organized that I could dine off the floor.

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

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.

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. Get in touch with Dear Abby via P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069, or at www.DearAbby.com.

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