With Thanksgiving Break just around the corner, it is time for us to practice our lines and get ready to appease our extended families. Stressing out about Thanksgiving dinner table conversation? Here are three common questions you may be asked and some tactics to help you make it out alive:
1) What do you want to do with your life?
For those of you who already have everything planned out: congratulations. For everyone else: don’t panic. A great way to avoid stress-committing to a career is gushing about all the amazing things you are learning. For example: “Well I love my biology class… but I love my computer science class too! Then again, there’s so much to be done in terms of the environment… not to mention the corrupt condition of the U.S. government… I’m just learning so much about life at college! I want to change the world!!!”
2) Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other?
When it comes to inadvertent clenching and upper lip sweat, there is no greater cause than explaining your romantic relationships (or lack there of) to family. If you are lucky enough to have a significant other, you don’t need any help coping with this question. If you’re single and not in the mood to talk about it, calmly say no, and then quickly introduce a new topic of conversation so there is no opportunity for follow-up questions.
3) Is that a new piercing/tattoo?
Pick your battles. If your relatives are the type to care about body modifications, don’t take the risk of having them notice. Instead, remove questionable body jewelry and cover tattoos with foundation or strategically placed clothing. The truth will come out eventually, but it’s probably for the best if it’s not at the dining table in front of your grandparents.
Invasiveness aside, all that your family wants is to be a part of your life. While their inquiries may make you squirm at times, try your best to be patient with them. They are interested because they love you!