You know those awkward moments with your friend when both of you suddenly blanked and don't know what to say? Sadly enough, you make if even more awkward by asking "So… how was your day?" What a weak conversation starter. If you're one of those people, you might want to prepare yourself with all possible topics you can bring up before an awkward silence. Don't let it sit there for too long (4 seconds), or else anything you say will make it worse. Unless that person has a decent sense of humor, it would be really, really uncomfortable. Here are some halfway serious advice.

1. Complain

…about your test today, your test tomorrow, or all those finals coming up. Complain about your annoying sibling or your clingy pet. Complain about your math teacher who gives homework on the day of the test. On a regular basis, complaining too much is annoying, but you could do it to prevent an awkward situation; at least you tried.

2. Sing a halfway decent song

If you're a halfway fun person, and they're a halfway fun person, then you can perform a screeching duet together. Don't do this if you're with a stranger. You don't want to be another bad first impression…

3. Laugh

Hope you're talking to a person with a halfway decent sense of humor. Maybe they'll laugh with you, or maybe they'll think you're as weird as you look.

4. Make a really bad joke

Then, fade out of it and look disappointed. They'll laugh at your stupidity and, if they're halfway fun, they'll make more cringe-worthy jokes. At least it's less silent now.

5. Make it even more awkward

Stay silent until one of you finally gets the courage to make a move. There is a limit to how awkward a conversation can be before both of you realize how stupid you look and laugh.

6. Point out the awkwardness

Say 'awkward' in a high-pitched voice and do a little dance. If they don't join, don't worry, because they're just lame and boring.

7. Go on your phone

There's almost always something to check, unless you're antisocial and all you have on your phone are the default apps and all your texts are from some school club. No wonder you're in an awkward situation.

8. Run away

If all else goes wrong, the best thing to do is say that you forgot something and prance away like a Leprechaun (or you could just walk). Save this for last resort.

The best thing to do in an awkward moment is to just trust your instincts, unless you don't have some decent common sense. The closer you are to the person, the more awkward you can be, until there is no such thing as awkward and you can walk alongside them for minutes without feelings uncomfortable. Good luck building that bond. Think tactic.