How do you throw a successful party? Free-flowing drink and a killer playlist must surely come high on the list, but it’s the ability to understand and respond to your guests’ emotional needs that will transform their evening into something to be enjoyed rather than politely endured. Amy Alkon—advice columnist and author of Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence—believes that understanding human behavior is key to ensuring that each guest feels included within the party. From smoothing over uncomfortable silences to navigating polarized politics, she applies her brand of blunt advice to empathetic hosting.

Should you seat friends together to avoid embarrassing silences?
At the root of good manners is empathy. You need to look at your friends and think abou...