[spicycat]

1 - Try taking a small step back away from the group, this will signify that you would rather listen. Once in this position, you can escape ('go mingle') more easily.

2 - Words of comfort really don't help, they're more of a tribal signal. They're still necessary.

3 - Try saying "I'm not sure how you got to this step/result, could you explain it in more detail for me?"

4 - About 1-2 seconds of travel away.

5 - Talk about what they like, try to find common interests. Most people won't refuse a snack or dessert either.

6 - It's just "Thank you", then shut up and wait. Anything else doesn't work.