How can I stop being the forgotten “friend”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This would be me. Smile and chat nonsense more. I’ve contemplated taking a swig of wine before these things, as I tend to come off as aloof. I need to losen up. One thing I fear is getting into a gossipy group though. Those ladies will cut you off if you don’t play.

This is your problem. You see women as gossipy, a generally negative opinion of them. Try to respect women and understand that you're not the lone fabulous woman stuck amid a bunch of gossipy shrews. If you do run across someone who's gossipy, then just smile and be kind to them but don't gossip yourself.