Investment banking firm Goldman Sachs has published a list of bite-sized tips designed to turn you into the ultimate man. (Apparently, a healthy dose of sexism towards women is a pre-requisite.)

Every group of friends has their token flakey friend. You know the type. They’re the first ones to say “YES!” to a social event and the last ones to say they aren’t coming. Sometimes they thoughtfully tell you they aren’t coming 12 hours after the fact.

I’m that friend.

You could be walking down a city street, taking a stroll at your local park, or begrudgingly commuting to your grandparent’s place on the off chance you’ll be rewarded with cash. You’re vulnerable. You’re socially naked. You’re a lone gazelle waiting to be devoured by an overly outgoing lion.

So how do you avoid becoming the unwilling target of a stranger’s attention?

Have you ever found yourself dreading a leisurely activity you had eagerly scheduled days or weeks in advance?

Going to an event where you don't know anyone sucks, but sometimes you have to, like for networking events or work functions where you need to "be seen". Set a 20 minute timer on your phone when you arrive. Knowing there's a clock running will make you more comfortable and give you an out if you're still uncomfortable when your phone vibrates in your pocket.

Every family has that one relative that can't stop forcing their controversial political stances down everyone's throats. You're home for the holidays and want to get through an enjoyable meal in peace, but they just won't stop talking about what's ruining the country. Here's how to deal with them and keep the holiday intact.

Being likeable and charismatic is a learned art form like any other. However, there's one easy shortcut to a magnetic personality: start having fun.

Whether you're headed to your office's Christmas party or attending your neighbour's BBQ -- both of which should be fun -- also come with all sorts of awkward moments and stressful situations attached. Here are 10 ways to work those parties like a champ.

The fear of missing out can lead to a lot of anxiety if you don't know how to say no. To help, take a minute to consider what you gain by staying in.

There's more to being honest than simply never telling a lie. If you want to build trust with those around you, be ready to share information that you don't necessarily have to.

Having an active social circle can have a ton of benefits for your professional and personal life. As an adult, that social life can often involve alcohol. If you're new to the world of drinking, or all you know from your college days is beer and Jagerbombs, here's how to enter the drinking world like an adult.

It's important to build and maintain relationships in your personal and professional lives, but it's hard to keep doing that if you're an introvert. If you're struggling with deciding which events to attend and skip, create a socialisation quota.

The next time you want to ask someone for a favour, try apologising first. Apologising for what? Anything at all, even the rain!

The next time you have to go for a date or an important meeting, try reading some Chekhov or Alice Munro before you head out the door. It's probably going to make that interaction go off well, says a new study.

Loud environments like concerts, clubs, and sporting events aren't well suited for conversations with your friends, but if you need to exchange a few words, try plugging your ears and speaking in a normal voice.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just having a group lunch with your coworkers, it's easy to fall into the trap of only talking about work. It is a common thread, after all. But The Kitchn points out that you can learn more about everyone at the table and have a better time by planning a jumping off topic.

While it's important to maintain a consistent, professional presence online, you also need to remember your audience when networking, and adapt accordingly.

Many of us deal with shyness and social anxiety on a daily basis. One way to be more comfortable in challenging social situations is to act out the role of an extroverted character that we create in our minds.

If you've always felt a compulsion to meet everyone else's needs before your own, it's hard to imagine being different. People-pleasing is not only what you do, but a strong part of who you believe you are. If this sounds like you, before you can move forward in your time management habits, you need to realise you don't have to be so vulnerable to these attacks on your schedule. You can maintain appropriate boundaries.