If you see that a friend is about to make a misstep, don’t intervene. Just let them do it. First of all, you could be wrong in thinking what they’re doing is a mistake. Second, you shouldn’t inflict your opinions on other people who are trying to learn. If they’re going to learn, they have to make a few mistakes and have a few accidents once in a while. It’s all trial and error. So step away from the controls and just mind your own business. They’ll be fine.

If you’re torn between going out and getting crazy and staying home and doing nothing, the answer is something in between. Go mellow but public, like playing a game with friends at a coffee shop.

You may be a little resistant to a new idea your partner’s got, but listen respectfully and ask some considered, detailed questions. Once you talk it through, it may actually sound worth a try.

Your new strategy involves nothing more than a sugar rush, but keep that little secret to yourself. You’ll only bore others, at best. At worst, you’ll lose the respect you’ve worked so hard to gain.