DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a 28-year-old woman in a middle-management position. I catch myself referring to my team as “guys,” though they’re not all male, such as “Morning, guys” or “I was talking to the guys earlier.”

I worry this could be offensive and want to break the habit. Any advice?

GENTLE READER: Try harder. Miss Manners assures you it will be worth it to stop annoying your female colleagues.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.