Somehow, I have spent a large chunk of my 19 years sitting in meetings. During all that time, I have discovered some helpful hints and tricks. I have also stumbled upon some friends with tips of their own (thank you Stephanie Jemtrud). I have successfully survived so many meetings, and now I want to help you!

1. Sit in the back.

The goal is to be obstructed by multiple people. Then, the person leading the meeting can't see you or put you on the spot.

2. If possible, sit in the comfortable chairs.

Do you know how long the meeting will last? Sometimes you don't. Even if you do, focusing on the meeting is easier when you aren't focusing on back pain.

3. Always bring a pen and paper.

This allows you to fake attentiveness and doodle while you're bored. Also, it does serve as a good place to write down the two or three important details. Believe it or not, those sometimes exist.

4. If someone is absent, do not announce it.

Send a quick reminder about the meeting. If they forgot, they will thank you. If they can't come, you will find out why, and then you can tell the leader.

5. Eat before.

Do you enjoy being hangry? Neither do the people around you. At the latest four hour meeting I sat through, I left feeling so hangry that I ate three donuts and then went to a Mexican restaurant. I ate enough carbs for a family of four. Don't make my choices.

6. If you bring a beverage, bring a lid.

Don't spill your coffee. Everyone will stare and laugh while you clean it up, and then they will all realize how much time was wasted. Be cool, keep your coffee hot, and use a lid.

7. If number six applies, do not drink your entire beverage.

You will draw unnecessary attention to yourself when you leave to go to the bathroom.

8. Smile and nod.

Even if you successfully followed step one, you can't completely hide. Smile and nod at appropriate times; your attentiveness will be appreciated.

9. Show up on time.

Sometimes meetings start 30 minutes late. That doesn't mean you show up late. Always show up on time--or a few minutes early.

10. Only ask questions that apply to the whole group.

If you want the whole group to unfriend you, ignore this. If you like your coworker friends, refrain from raising your hand every five seconds.

11. Don't comment on every single bullet point.

Great meetings start with a paper listing the discussion bullet points. That does not mean discuss every bullet point. Refer back to number 10 if you have any confusion.

12. For long meetings, please remember numbers 10 and 11.

I cannot reiterate the importance of listening rather than talking unnecessarily. Control yourself.

That's all, folks! Hopefully these tips and tricks can help you thrive in your next meeting. Have anything to add? Please share! If you stopped paying attention, now is the time to smile and nod.