Overcoming New-Fangled World's Awkward Moments
When Stephanie Pierson's ex-husband of three years "friended" her on Facebook, she was horrified, bemused - and confused.
So, she reached out to friends and "experts" for guidance -- should she accept his request?
That conversation led to others (many of them hilarious) with experts about all the other situations well-meaning people can find themselves these days, from the modern family dilemma (is it ever OK to ask where'd you get that baby?!) and tech terrors (a cell phone rings at a funeral but it's not until the fourth ring that you realize it's yours - - do you give yourself away or just let it ring?) to the new consumer savvy (a tip jar at the deli?! When is it appropriate to NOT tip?)
Pierson also mulled what could be dubbed "seriously moments" -- when you just have to stop and ask yourself, "Is this SERIOUSLY happening? Is that guy over there SERIOUSLY talking on his cell phone with its speakerphone on aboard a train? Does my colleague SERIOUSLY want to show me photos of her newborn's birth?"
Eventually, Pierson and co-author Barbara Harrison compiled a book full of such situations, and tips for dealing with this clueless, potentially embarrassing world we live in. It's called "What to Do When No One Has a Clue: Advice for the Brave New World."
Pierson discussed a bunch of them with co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez on "The Early Show" Wednesday:
To read an excerpt of "What to Do When No One Has a Clue: Advice for the Brave New World," click here.