Are your social skills sucking? Gadgets are vital for keeping in touch, but they can also erode your closest relationships.(YOU YOU YOU)

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Chances are, you'd give up oxygen before severing your electronic lifelines. But more women are reporting that the less face time they have, even with friends, the more anxious they feel when an in-the-flesh chat is mandatory. This advice will get you back in the groove for in-person interactions.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH FRIENDS

Yeah, yeah, you're busy, but you're likely missing opportunities to squeeze in get-togethers. Instead of chowing at your desk, grab a salad with a pal who works nearby.

When you do see a friend, ensure your chat goes deeper than "So, what have you been up to?" Before you meet, scan news headlines and Conversation Starters on cosmopolitan.com. And don't be afraid to initiate a big "I've missed you" hug--it bonds you emotionally too. Another endearing move: Notice something, like a new haircut, that you can compliment ("You look great] It really brings out your features"). Lastly, make eye contact (but don't stare her down!). It reinforces that cell chats will never replace the real thing.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR BOSS

To get on your supervisor's radar, you have to make an impression that reaches beyond her electronic in-box. E-mail something like "May I ask your assistant to schedule a 10-minute meeting? It might be easier to run my ideas by you in person." When you pitch them, ...