Skip to main content
Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Dear Abby: Handy advice and tips help girls sharpen social skills

RO-51
RO-51 RO-51
photo Jeanne Phillips

DEAR ABBY: I enjoy reading your column, especially letters regarding young girls and their social skills. I have two granddaughters who have the normal drama, mostly with other girls. I worry their social skills are getting sidetracked.

I am interested in ordering your booklet about popularity. Is it still available? – LINDA IN TERRE HAUTE, IND.

DEAR LINDA: Yes, the booklet is still available. It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. You will find the booklet covers a variety of situations and is meant for people of all ages. Everyone wants to be the kind of person others find interesting, attractive and worth knowing better.

The key to being well-liked by both sexes is: Be kind. Be honest. Be tactful. Don’t be afraid to give someone a compliment if you think it’s deserved.

If you think you’re not beautiful (or handsome), be well-groomed, tastefully dressed, conscious of your posture. (People who stand tall project self-confidence.) If you are not a “brain,” try harder. If you are smarter than most, don’t be a know-it-all. Ask others what they think, and encourage them to share their opinions.