Hey guys—Get directions—and no one has to know

7/26/2012 1:28 PM EDT

Okay guys, I’m talking to you. I’ve broken my own rules about gender-based discussions on this site. I’ve actually sat on this information for several days, but I just couldn’t resist writing it up. Let’s just say that I’ve been around for a long time and there is one stereotypical gender-based habit that in my experience is true, and drives me over the edge. What is it? Your inability to ask for directions when lost.

I’ve been lost many times. I’ve taken the wrong ramp, missed important landmarks, and just messed up while trying to find a specific location. Admitting this is painless to me. However, without exception (my three sons are included here), the guys I know can’t seem to say, “I can’t find this, I’m going to stop and ask someone…” Writing the words even makes me giggle (that's a girl thing).

Now, thanks to a company called Toffa International, you’re off the hook. There’s a new iPhone /iPad/iPod Touch app just for you. It lets users call people they trust for assistance, even if they have no idea where they are.  Named Call4Help, the app pinpoints the caller’s location for the recipient of the call or text. Its accuracy is within a few feet. The recipient gets a satellite view of the Google Maps location, latitude/longitude coordinates, and even an address for the caller.

There are phone, text, and e-mail quick buttons that can be (are you ready for this?) inconspicuously pressed when needed. Just the touch of a button calls the preferred contact and a request for assistance is sent via email and text that includes the detailed location info. Maybe two of you of like habits can team up, or several of you can get together to form “I’m lost” support groups.

In all seriousness, I think this application could actually save lives. At the very least it can remove what seems to be a pile of embarrassment for all of you that think it is mortifying to ask for directions.

Okay, I’ll revert to being politically and socially correct now…