How to handle awkward social situations

What if you forget somebody’s name?

Fess up! Just admit it. We've all been in that awkward situation. We all know what’s going on so say, "I'm really sorry, I can't remember..." If you can remember any fact about them to make them feel special at all — "I remember you're from Ohio but I’m really sorry I've forgotten your name. What's your name again?" Listen carefully, and then use their name back in conversation a few times. Introduce them to a few people in the next few minutes. Think of something, a trigger, that connects their name to something you can remember. For example, if her name is Rose, that's an easy one. You can think of the flower.

If you notice that someone can't remember your name, should you help him or her out?

Yes. Absolutely. Help them out -- don't let them struggle. Just be open and jump right in with your name. We're too worried about stuff like that.

What do you do if you're out to dinner with a group and nobody picks up the tab, and you weren't counting on being the host for the dinner?

It depends: If you asked everyone out for dinner, if you made any implication with the invitation that you would be paying -- “I’d love to treat you all” or “It’s my birthday and I’m going to take my best friends out.” then they've got reason to think you're paying. If you haven't, and you've just suggested that they should all get together and go out, then it’s down to everyone to pay their share. If people aren't putting their hands in their pockets — you should take charge. "All right, the check’s here, everyone. Should I play mother and figure out what everyone owes? Anyone have a calculator on their mobile phone? Should we just split this four ways?” Maybe you shouldn't go out with these kinds of people. They should be more embarrassed than you. But that won't help you out that night, so, don't just sit there looking at it, worrying about it, because that’s not going to get you anywhere. Be assertive.

What if someone grabs the check but you really wanted to be the host of dinner?

If someone else wants to pay, offer to pay twice. Use phrases like, “Oh I'll get this… Are you sure? I don't mind. No, I'll get it... I was expecting to pay for this...” If you try to offer twice and then they still say, “No, I insist,” then that is it. Stop struggling. You don't want an awkward tug-of-war in a restaurant over a check -- it’s embarrassing. So accept graciously, thank them, and when you're saying goodnight for the evening say thank you again. Make a mental note that you will treat them next time. It's fine, let them pay.

What do you do if you're out at a party or out to dinner -- or out anywhere -- and your friend’s boyfriend/fiancé/husband starts flirting with you?

Just shut them down, even though that's embarrassing. Be all about your friend. If it’s something like, "Hey you look hot this evening…" shoot back with, "Not as hot as your wife, you lucky thing. She's my best friend and she's beautiful.” If it's inappropriate, and it makes you feel uncomfortable, just walk away.

What if this kind of thing happens repeatedly, or if you find out that this same guy is hitting on other people. Should you ever tell your friend?

If it’s happened a few times -- or happened to other women -- and it’s gone beyond "Oh, you’re looking sexy," you really have to tell your friend. You don’t want to be the tattletale that goes around causing trouble all the time, but if it’s more than a drunk flirty guy trying to boost your confidence at a party -- having him calling and suggesting you have coffee together -- you owe it to your friend to tell her what's going on. But just give her the facts: “Oh, Colin rang me today for coffee, what's that about?" Just put it out there, don’t add to the awkardness by offering your opinion or cause trouble by being provocative.