When helping is the offense.

I’m guessing that you know the feeling. You walk into a party, into the dinner, into the gathering. You know that everyone is watching you.

I’m not talking about insecurity or shyness. I mean that everyone actually is watching you. It’s a job interview. It’s the first time together with family after a death or disturbance. It’s a visit to your competitor’s headquarters.

Common sense says that you find common ground, that you smile. Common sense says that you don’t stick your finger in s...