Uncomfortable social situations are the worst-minor blunders can leave you embarrassed and feeling socially inadequate. A few simple tricks can help you avoid the most common mistakes and boost your self-esteem and social prowess at the same time.

The Name Game

You walk into a meeting and say, “Hey, Larry, how are you?” to which he replies, “Good, and actually, it’s Harry.” We’ve all had moments where we’ve experienced this sort of interaction and it’s never pleasant. To help prevent this, be sure to pay close attention when someone new is being introduced. If you happen to miss the name in the introduction, seize that moment to ask again. Don’t guess; you may not get it right and this will just lead to confusion later on. To help reinforce your memory, say the name in your head a few times. In addition, make an association with the person’s name and a relevant connection-something they are wearing, their occupation or the surroundings you’re in. If the person is wearing a purple dress and you’ve named them “Purple Patty,” don’t worry, you don’t need to share that with anyone else. If all else fails, admit your forgetfulness, blame it on a busy day and ask again. Just be sure and remember this time!

Body of Work

We are all human and sometimes cannot control the internal functions of our body. However, there are small things we can do to help us get through the day. For unavoidable bodily functions like gas, a remedy that is discreet and easy, like refreshing peppermint or cinnamon-flavored Gas-X