Extended families. So much conversation. Many meals. Boyfriends that you have to buy gifts for. The holiday season offers ample situations to make yourself sufficiently awkward. Let's just face the facts, you can't avoid them all. But, you can at least be warned of 10 of the MANY uncomfortable situations that could be in your future. Tread lightly. Smile and wave.
1. Seeing your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend at the grocery store: Welcome home. Remember when we dated? Good times.
2. Trying to kindly disagree with extended family members on politics: We can't all agree all the time and kindly disagreeing is a good life skill so at least you get some good practice.
3. Saying hi to all the acquaintances that you had in high school that you probably don't know well enough to really say hi to: Tricky situation. You know you had a class with them once in sophomore year - but you committed to saying hi and probably feel weird about it.
4. Buying a gift for the boyfriend you haven't had for that long: What page does that put you on? Can't do something too long term or pricey... But also can't buy him a keychain. A t-shirt? You don't really know his size. A cupcake? He's not your little sister. A wallet? Too dad-like?
5. Having to share a room with one of your extended family members: No more alone time.
6. Trying to explain to your family what exactly you want to do with your life when you realistically do not know: Half of you wants them to tell you what to do. The other half thinks college was really nice but with your degree you plan on returning to your childhood dream of being a hula dancer.
7. When that distant aunt asks you about that boyfriend you don't have: Uhhhhhh I don't actually have one of those.
8. When your parents hand you the flute of champagne on New Years because you're now 21: :) college :)
9. That one family member that tells you "You look like you have gained weight!" as a good thing: Thanks grandma... nah I don't want the pie.
10. The wonderfully awkward coordinated family photos: Everyone looks so good in khaki...
