What's worse? Being (a) trapped in an elevator, (b) stuck on a train, or (c) stranded in a tiresome-or contentious-cocktail-party discussion? If you answered (c), read below. Five savvy experts, including a former FBI special agent and a bar manager, divulge their finest conversational exit strategies.
By Michelle Crouch



Leif Parsons
1. Make a Pit Stop
Back when I worked as an undercover officer for the FBI, if someone started asking me a lot of questions, I had to throw him off so he wouldn't figure out who I was. I would excuse myself, head to the restroom, and remain there for a few minutes. When I returned, I would immediately ask him about something new. It's much easier and less awkward to change the subject after you've taken a short break than to stop a conversation midstream. I still do this when I want to switch topics if I'm stuck next to someone on an airplane or at a social event.

Joe Navarro, a former FBI special agent, is the author of What Every Body Is Saying ($20, amazon.com).

8 Stylish Hallway Decorating IdeasWe pass through the hallways of our homes every day, but we don't give them the attention they deserve. Why not treat them like a room? With just a few touches, hallways can be both useful and beautiful. Here are 8 ideas to inspire your own hall of fame.

















Related: 25 outrageous swimming pools from around the world



Shades of Gray 1. Shades of Gray
The cool, deep hues of this hallway look modern and classic at the same time.





















Wild Walls 2. Wild Walls
In case classic doesn't get it done, a hallway is also the ideal spot to paste that bold wallpaper you've been lusting after.





















Related: 5 things ALL women want to hear



Map the Way 3. Map the Way
The repeated maps on these walls reinforce the feeling that a hallway is a gateway to another place. The colors are soothing, too.





























Big Light 4. Big Light
Wow. A magnificent pendant lamp illuminates this hallway and adds drama to a small space.






















Art Gallery 5. Art Gallery
If minimalism isn't your thing, the hallway is the perfect place for a gallery of framed art in various sizes.















Related: 8 small ways

Photo: Phillip Friedman/Studio DThe First Warm Evening of the Year
By Jamie M. Saul
304 pages; William Morrow
Available at: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBookstore | IndieBound

In this engaging novel, a Manhattan man finds romance-and a few other surprises-when he goes to settle the estate of an old friend.
-- Karen Holt

RELATED: Oprah's Book Club 2.0!

I Couldn't Love You More
By Jillian Medoff
432 pages; 5 Spot
Available at: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBookstore | IndieBound

Fun, smart, and warmhearted, this story revolves around a fictional suburban mom whose first boyfriend suddenly reappears, sparking-naturally-big trouble.
-- Karen Holt

RELATED: The Irresistibles: Lyrical, Luscious Reads

Born to Rise
By Deborah Kenny
256 pages; Harper
Available at: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBookstore | IndieBound

This memoir of a young widow's quest to transform urban education by establishing the groundbreaking Harlem Village Academies will inspire readers everywhere.
-- Karen Holt

RELATED: 25

Photo: ThinkstockBy Leigh Newman

1. The Under-One-Hour-of-Reading Club

We all love our book clubs, but there comes a time when even the most ideal group (think stimulating novels, insightful members, priceless wines, organic caviar, a live harpist in the corner who strums ethereal notes after every comment) gets a little stale or a little intimidating to outsiders. Take Joanna Goddard. She always wanted to join one, but she knew she was a slow reader and that she'd never finish a 300-page novel or memoir (hmmm...unlike the rest of us who always finish). Her idea? Start a club based on something that takes only 45 minutes to read--the old-fashioned in-depth magazine article. "Articles are so digestible," she says. "And they're real-life, which makes them easier to relate to." Another bonus is that the ideas discussed in those pieces tend to be controversial, which leads to lots of fun, even heated debate. Goddard picks her articles from magazines like The New York Times, The New Yorker and

By GalTime's Manners Expert Constance Hoffman

Don't leave your manners at the gate....rules of airplane etiquette

Fly Me Away...Without Pushing Someone Out the Exit!

Summer is around the corner, which for many of us means packing up and heading out for a much-needed break. I travel frequently for business and pleasure... and nothing will get me more fired up than being surrounded by travelers who left their manners at the gate. Below are some guidelines to help you survive the upcoming busy air travel season, as well as make you a better seat mate.

Mind Your Space

The arm rests are shared space, not for wrestling. Work with your seat mates to make sure you are both using the armrest equally. When getting up from your seat, the back seat in front of you is never to be used as leverage, use your arm rest for leverage.

It's Not a Party

Some people look forward to meeting strangers and befriending them on a plane. Others don't. Learn the difference. If your conversation seems one-way, take the hint.

By DIY Diva Malia Karlinsky, GalTime.com

Father's Day DIY Gifts! simple home decor and party projects for father's day

He's the guy that tosses the baseball around with the kids, wipes away tears and gives hugs… and this weekend-it's time to make HIM feel special. Forget the mall and make something meaningful instead. With a little help from Mom, children can create their own one-of-a-kind gifts for Dad.

3 Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

Chalkboard Frame 1. Chalkboard Frame

Framed photos are always fabulous. For this simple project, the kids paint a wooden frame with chalkboard paint. Chalkboard paint is available at craft and home improvement stores. It's pretty good proof-just paint a couple layers and let it "cure" for a day. For an added touch, score some scrabble tiles at the thrift store or find similar wooden letters at the craft store and spell a message out to Dad.

Add a favorite photo and kids can use chalk or chalk pens to write Dad a message or draw a picture… and then erase and change it