Dear Abby: Social skills are ‘rusty’ after pandemic lockdown

Dear Abby: I am a guy who is 27. I have always been somewhat shy, but I do like people and I like mixing. After more than a year of being “locked down” during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started missing human contact.

Social opportunities are opening up for me now, and my “time away” has made me rusty. I believe you have written some pointers for being better in social situations. Can you give me a quick refresher course? Thanks, Abby!

— Ready to be Out There Dear Ready: I’m happy to try. The first thing to understand is that social adeptness is a skill. No one is born with it. It has to be learned. With practice, it can be “polished” until it’s second nature.

Part of being social is showing an interest in others. Encourage them to share their interests. Ask them to tell you about themselves. Ask their opinions and, when they tell you, be a good listener. Cultivate your own interests so you will have something to share with them.

I publish a booklet titled “How to be Popular” that contains many useful tips for polishing social skills. It can be ordered by sending your name and address, plus a check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 610540447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

The keys to being socially successful are: Be kind. Be honest. Be tactful. Offer a compliment if you think it is deserved. Forget about yourself and concentrate on the OTHER person.