DEAR ABBY: I’m a man in my early 30s who has made a career switch. My new field requires me to be more social because I will be meeting with colleagues, some of them older than I am, and attending trade shows, meetings, and business and social networking outings. This was never part of my former job.

I’m somewhat shy, and I can be uneasy in conversations. I don’t always know what to say if there is a break in the conversation. A relative told me you have tips on how to navigate conversing with all kinds of people in different situations. If they are still available, it would be useful for me. -- GEARING UP IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

DEAR GEARING UP: Your relative may have been referring to my booklet “How to Be Popular,” which is still in print. I will send you a copy. Making social conversa

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