Make a night with friends drama-free

Don't assume fun has to be expensive. Avoid that dreaded moment when the bill arrives by doing something other than dinner. Many cities offer free jazz in the park during the summer. A local bookstore might host a reading and book signing by a favorite author. And last but not least, gallery openings often provide gratis wine and hors d'oeuvres. Oh, and there's the art.

Do be inclusive. Adopt a more is merrier attitude and welcome others into the fold. Consider inviting your old friend who moved back to town or a co-worker you've been wanting to get to know better. Just let the rest of your group know so no one's caught off guard.

Do ask questions. As we learned in kindergarten: Take turns. Whether it's going down the slide during recess or being there when a member of the group needs to talk about her miserable luck with online dating, it's the same concept: You. Me. Her. Repeat.

Don't bring kids. You shouldn't have to worry about censoring your language around impressionable tots. Nothing like wanting to let your hair down—and suddenly there's Junior listening to every word. Or: Do bring kids. These are your bestest chums, and they understand if you don't have a sympathetic partner or money for a babysitter. Yes, no, maybe next time…anything your group as a whole decides, but discuss in advance.

Don't dwell—you're with friends, not in therapy. When you're going through tough times seek suggestions about how your buddies handled similar situations. Be careful, however, about burning out your pals. There's a subtle but important distinction between sharing and complaining.

Do consider making the evening a Gossip-Free Zone. No repeating rumors nor talking about people who aren't with you. A little banter about Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson (Will he forgive her? Should they get back together?) is fine, but beware of even celeb gossip hijacking your night.

Don't be a slave to your iPhone. Agree to unplug, unwind, and spend uninterrupted quality time with your gal pals. That does NOT mean switching your phone to vibrate—that tiny tinny buzz can be just as distracting. OK, if you're a doctor on call or the mother of a sick 5-year-old, we'll let you vibrate. Don't let these precious female friendships fall victim to the latest, greatest upgraded, technological toy.