Mix and mingle at parties, whether it's a corporate function or a family gathering. Notice if you have a tendency toward gravitating and staying with the relatives or coworkers you already know well. Use this opportunity to reach out to people you don't have a chance to talk to or see regularly.

If you are a guest or a new family or office member, you will probably meet many new people while most everyone else already knows most of the people at the gathering. Think about how you can put yourself at ease to feel like a part of the group. Gather information ahead of time from the person who invited you. Find out if any conversation topic or information is taboo. Learn about the family and who will be there. Find out if you should be aware of or alert to anything in particular, or if there is anyone in particular you should meet.