Project princess for the brain?

[Helium]

I'm loving lurking on the Project Princess thread and noticed from the school reunion one that the op touched on feeling inadequate. Anyone up for preparing or contributing ideas, wisdom and tips for being a glittering socialite?!
I'll start with

• ask other people what book they're reading (and be prepared to talk about one too!) - even if they're not reading anything you could always ask what they like to do with their free time

watching with interest as I have zero charisma and hate crowds!

Plus I always think someone can become very attractive if they have charisma and are socially adept.

I like this thread! My suggestions:

Reading/watching the news every day (Daily Mail doesn't count!)

I tend not to directly ask people what they're reading unless they mention books first - some people don't read books/only read on holiday and might feel inadequate themselves if asked directly so actually this could be a good tactic for school reunions :D

Ask people "what's keeping you busy at the moment" rather than "what do you do?". Even if they are working, they might not want to talk about their job.

Try to find something about the other person that you can compliment sincerely - good icebreaker :)

Oooh good points WW-actually I have come across some people who don't read (anathema to me but hey thats what makes the world go round)and have had to do some backpeddling.

Whats keeping you buys-that is inspired-love it!

I recommend The Week paper for keeping up with current affairs.

An ice breakers which work for me are asking people if they have any holidays planned

I have a good friend who is a succesful hedge fund manager. When he is asked what he does he says "I work in an office"!

I love the Week magazine - quite tempted to subscribe actually!

I have an elderly aunt who lights up the room - watched her over the years and it seems like a blend of upbeat positivity, a bit of (humour and plenty of laughter even at not that funny stuff - but there is some magic there too!! Would love to be like that!