How To Make A Brief Appearance At A Really Crowded Party

    For those nights you need to get away quickly.

    At some point in your life, you'll need (or want) to make a really brief appearance at a party.

    Here's the strategy I've found makes the most of a very short time in a crowded space.

    1. LOCATE THE GUEST(S) OF HONOR. This could be the host or the person being celebrated. Usually this person is pretty deep in the crowd.

    2. MAP OUT A STRATEGIC ROUTE. This might not be a straight line. As much as possible, you'll want to sidestep the people who will stop you, so be careful which clusters of people you walk by.

    3. TAKE NOTE OF ALL THE DRINKS. If you spill a drink, the speed of your mission will be compromised by profuse apologies.

    Remember it's usually better to squeeze past a drinkholder on the the non-drink side.

    4. MAKE YOUR MOVE. Stay focused. Friends may try to pull you away, but stick to your path. (If this is a "gift" party, it'll help to hold up the gift.)

    5. ESCAPE. Once you've said your "happy birthdays!" or whatever you are free to make an exit.

    And that's it — you've officially made your appearance at the party. YOU'RE DONE.

    ...UNLESS OF COURSE THEY START PLAYING YOUR SONG.