Reading time: 2 – 4 minutes
Continued from Eight Steps To Be Self Reliant Part One
Fifth, mingle. Forget burying your head in the punch bowl. When you arrive at a party, stride over to someone who seems interesting and strike up a conversation. Introduce yourself to the woman in the leopard-print dress. Ask the shy guy in the corner how he knows the host. Request a martini-making lesson from the bartender. You’ll probably help other people beat their anxieties in the process of beating your own.
Sixth, make the perfect toast. When you want to congratulate a pal on her promotion or drink to your uncle’s birthday party, stand up after everyone has arrived and settled down– but before you’ve had too much bubbly. Rehearsing ahead of time is a good idea. As for your word choice, “the only rule is that you be short, to the point and whenever possible, sincere.” Gentle jokes and teasing are fine but avoid sensitive subjects and questionable humor.
To expertly open champagne, cover the bottle’s neck and cork with a cloth napkin. This serves to “check the cork’s propulsion across the room” and secure your hold. Twist the cork slowly until you hear a pop.
Seventh, take charge in a medical emergency. In the United States someone is injured in his own home every nine seconds, reports the National Safety Council. Your best defense? Keep a well stocked first-aid kit on hand and be prepared. Memorize these tips from the Junior Girl Scouts Handbook:
• If someone is bleeding profusely, place a clean cloth directly on the wound and press firmly. If possible, elevate the bleeding part above heart level.
• Recognize the signs that a person is going into shock. Nausea, shallow breathing and cold and clammy skin are all indicators. If you suspect shock, keep the person lying down. Elevate feet and keep the victim warm by using blankets or your own clothing.
• Take a class in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Eighth, do not burst into tears. Your, boss/beau/enemy has just slapped you with one nasty insult. You burn with anger and embarrassment. And you feel tears welling in your eyes. How to stop a blubbering scene before it starts? “Imagine terrible revenge,” recommends a psychiatrist. Thinking about what you could—but never would– do is empowering. “If someone insults you, they’re putting you on the battle field,” explains one expert. “If you retreat or break down, you paint yourself as weak. You’ll give your attacker the advantage.”
However, bottle yourself up indiscriminately. “If something tragic happens, it’s appropriate and healthy to cry,” says an expert.
Comments on this entry are closed.