1.  Keep It Light Stick to safe topics like hobbies, recent movies, or shared interests to avoid touchy subjects..

2. Be an Active Listener Show genuine interest by nodding, asking follow-up questions, and avoiding interruptions.

3. Practice Empathy Put yourself in the other person's shoes to help navigate sensitive topics more gracefully.

4. Use Open-Ended Questions Encourage the other person to share more by asking open-ended questions, making the conversation flow naturally.

5. Know When to Exit If the conversation turns awkward, politely excuse yourself to grab a drink or greet someone else.