INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Roam around the room and introduce yourself to people that seem fun or interesting. Interacting with others will get you noticed much more than standing near the wall or exit. Repeat someone's name when you are introduced to them. Not only will it help you remember their name, it will captivate them as well, as people love hearing their own name spoken aloud. For instance, when you are introduced to someone, say "Hi Jason, I'm Sharon. So nice to meet you! How do you know the host, Cindy?" and friendly. Ask questions, smile, and pay attention to what others are saying. Show others that you are actively listening to them by nodding along and replying to their stories. Wait for an appropriate moment to interject, and do your best not to interrupt others while they are speaking. You can also compliment people if you like or appreciate something about them. For example, if you like the host's shoes, say something like "Your shoes are gorgeous! I love those colors." You can also compliment the host's apartment or home by saying something like "I love your place! You did a really good job decorating." Funny people are generally well-liked, so do your best to show your sense of humor. Try cracking a joke, sharing a funny situation you have been in, or using your wit to lighten the mood. Laughs are one of the best ways to attract a crowd, and people will remember you as a fun and funny person they enjoyed being around. Jump in the pool, bust loose on the dance floor like no one's watching, crack a silly joke, or show your wit. Doing something unexpected will make people remember you. Don't overdo it, however; you want to be original and tasteful, not foolish and obnoxious. When there's a lull in the general conversation or it seems like the party is getting stale, make your move. Don't play a practical joke or say something that is likely to offend other guests, such as making fun of another race, ethnic group, or gender. Whether you are caught up in an uncomfortable conversation or are simply ready to head home, don't just walk away. Say something like "Excuse me," "I'm going to get another drink," or "I need to take off now." Don't feel as though you need to say goodbye to everyone at the party, but do let your friends and the host know that you're heading out.

SUMMARY: Mingle with the guests. Be polite Show your sense of humor. Do something unexpected. Excuse yourself when you're ready.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Again when you're looking at other people, you're looking at their highlight reel. So don't do it. When you catch yourself doing it, stop. Just stop. Remind yourself that it's the highlight reel you're watching, and that reel is pretty darn short. And if you have some comparison void that needs filling, just compare you to you. How are you improving? What skills do you have now that you didn't before? How are you a better person? What have you learned? After all, in the race that's life, you're your fiercest competition. Seriously. Take out a piece of paper and a pen (or your phone) and write them down. What do you like about yourself? Don't stop until you have at least five. Is it a talent? A physical attribute? A personality trait? If you can't think of any (you're not alone), ask a few close friends or family members what they think your best qualities are. Besides, there's tons of research that says others know us better than we know ourselves. When you're feeling down for the count, bust out this list or remember back to its contents. Take on an attitude of gratitude and those insecurities may just start slipping away. Look online for lists of self affirmations that could also be used if one cannot come up with positive qualities. In order to love ourselves, our minds have to see some proof that we do. If someone treated you terribly you wouldn't believe they loved you, and the same goes for you. Here's what to keep in mind: Take care of your body. Exercise, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and keep it at 100% as often as possible. This is the bare minimum. Take care of your space. If you live in a pile of potato chip bags, you probably aren't going to feel ready to take on the world. What's more, you need to take care of your mental space, too. Practice meditation, do yoga, or find some other way to keep your mind stress-free. Take care of your time. In other words, make time to A) relax, and B) do what you love. With these two things, happiness falls in line a large obstacle to self-acceptance. Hopefully you treat you right and you know how you should treat you, but what about others? Define your boundaries in other words, what will you and will you not put up with? What violates your definition of "okay?" Why is this important? Because you have rights and you deserve to be treated the way you want to be treated. You just have to know how you want to be treated to begin. A good example is how long you'll wait for a late friend. You could make a rule that you won't wait longer than 30 minutes. If they snooze, you're outta there. After all, your time is valuable you are valuable. If they don't respect that, they're disrespecting you. And if they do respect you, they'll be on time. "Fake it till you make it" isn't just some conveniently rhyming, trite piece of advice. In fact, science says it works. Even faking confidence convinces others you're more confident, competent, and can lead to more opportunities and better results. So if you need that extra dose of confidence, lean on your acting skills. Everyone will be none the wiser. Don't know where to start? Go through your body and consciously release your muscles that are holding tension. When we get nervous, we physically tense up. Letting your muscles go is a cue to your mind and those around you that you're cool as a cucumber.

SUMMARY:
If you do compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to you. List out all your good qualities. Take care of your body, your space, and your time. Define your boundaries. When in doubt, fake it.