Hosting a party can be a lesson in human dynamics. You'll see, in the comfort of your own home, how people respond after they let their guards down -- which can be a hilarious experience. ("Who knew Ethel in Accounting could do a convincing Andrew Dice Clay impression?") If the shindig is going smoothly, at least.

These guests clearly know how to have a good time. Flickr photo by x-ray delta one

But an event's success is often less about the food and drink, and more about the personalities in play. There are a few types of guests that, if left unchecked, will absolutely ruin an evening. Or, at the very least, require a little more of your attention.

We've informally polled our peers to figure out the most annoying guests that one would come across at a party. From "The Barnacle" to "The Drive-By Guest," here are the 10 people to watch out for... and how to deal with them.

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