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Issa Rae Walks You Through Life's Most Awkward Moments

From navigating foodie problems to dealing with asshole co-workers, we asked writer and producer Issa Rae for advice based on her new book, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.

Issa Rae is a writer and producer best known for her popular YouTube series, Awkward Black Girl. Since she is such an expert at dealing with socially uncomfortable moments, we figured we'd ask for some pointers.

1. When you *might* have embellished a bit in your online dating profile and someone asks for a photo that will definitely out you.

2. When your food arrives at a restaurant and nobody else in your group of friends is nearly as excited to eat as you are.

3. When people ask why you went out to eat alone.

4. When you make a comment about the lack of diversity in Hollywood and someone calls you “overly critical” or “sensitive.”

5. When you encounter a militant black person and don't know what to say.

6. When you’re at a party and a dancing circle forms, and someone pushes you toward the center.

7. When you know your hair is poppin’ but someone makes a comment about how natural or short hair isn’t beautiful.

8. When someone asks if they can touch your hair.

9. When you witness a couple locked in an unabashed and intense round of PDA.

10. When you think you’re grown but then realize how many of your bills your parents still help you out with.

11. When someone tries to hold hands, recite bad poetry, or announce their undying love for you...on the first date.

12. When someone calls black women “high maintenance.”

13. When you learn to embrace your inner sophisti-rachet.

14. When another black person finds out that you enjoy swimming, or are vegan, or just went camping, and says, “Black people don’t do that.”

15. When your West African relatives come to visit you in the U.S. and ask you to do something totally embarrassing by American culture standards (like clip their toenails).

16. When you stray from your usual jeans-and-sneakers uniform and your friends compliment your new look a little too enthusiastically.

17. When you realize that not only are you awkward, but you can use it to your advantage.

18. When you work with an asshole.

vine.co / Via BFF

Be sure to check out The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which is currently on the New York Times best-seller list, for even more awesomely awkward situations!