Annoying things your relatives might ask this Thanksgiving and how to respond
We’re all excited for the Thanksgiving food, but some of us may or may not be excited to have to have extended conversations with our extended family.
From asking about your love life to bringing up politics, family members can ask some awkward questions. When faced with these frustrating, annoying or even just repetitive inquiries into your personal life, here are some suggestions for how to respond.
Aunt Susan: Why aren’t you dating anyone yet?
How you might want to react:
A better reply: I’m so glad you asked, Aunt Susan! I’m not dating anyone right now because I’m spending lots of time learning and preparing for my career. Relationships are the last thing on my mind because I’m so busy being responsible.
Aunt Karen: When are you going to get married to your boyfriend/girlfriend?
How you might want to react:
A better reply: You know, it all really depends on the position of the sun, moon and planets on the ecliptic. The celestial spheres just aren’t aligned properly right now, Karen. Venus is still in Scorpio and that has taken a really toll on fifth house of my health. My aura has been infused with excessive negative vibes lately, and I need to do some soul healing first before I can even start thinking about anything else. I don’t want to disrupt your aura, so we should sit back and eat some pumpkin pie. I think that will help center my chakra.
Grandpa Pete: So have you been brainwashed by that liberal college institution of yours yet? You haven’t become one of those Millennial snowflakes, have you?
How you might want to react:
A better reply: Grandpa, don’t be silly! I’m too busy watching football to worry about politics! Did you hear that the Badgers are 11-0 this season?
Another option: Well, Grandpa, I don’t know about liberal snowflakes, but I do know about snowflakes. I’m really worried about walking to my classes this winter. Going to one of my classes is a 20 minute walk, and my boots are not ready for all the snow we’re supposed to get! Have any tips?
Grandma Mary: You aren’t partying, drinking and doing the drugs, are you? I hear that students these days are up to no good.
How you might want to react:
A better reply: Grandma, I have had so many exams this past week I don’t even have time to think about going to a party! All I do on the weekends is study. And if I do have time, I’ll usually spend it watching a nice wholesome movie with my friends.
Uncle Rob: What are your plans after you graduate?
How you might want to react:
Some better replies:
Option 1, tell a joke: Hoping someone hires me! (If delivered correctly, this might make Uncle Rob laugh and forget that he asked you an actual question.)
Option 2, answer his question with a question: Enough about me, Uncle Rob. What are your plans for the future?
Option 3, give a long-winded philosophical answer: You know, Uncle Rob, I’m focusing a lot less on what I’m going to do and more on simply bettering humanity. I think it’s important to not get caught up in the specifics of which job I’m going to have because that distracts from what’s really important — which is making a difference in the world. And to really contribute to society I have to work on myself first. So thinking about my “plans for after I graduate” isn’t what truly matters.