Whether you’re spending it with old friends or family you haven’t seen in a while, Thanksgiving is the time of year to spend with the ones you love and reflect on all that you’re thankful for. But there are some questions we're not always thankful for when others bring them up. And by the time you’re a senior like me, these questions keep getting worse and worse. I’m out of town this Thanksgiving and have already experienced all of them before even making it to the dinner table.
It’s the questions we can’t avoid and the ones we hate to answer, so pour yourself a nice glass of wine and keep the refills coming because the questions will keep flowing and every single relative will ask you the same thing.
- How’s school going!?
It’s going…
The most broad question in the history of questions. They don't need to know about the break down you had last week or the multiple all nighters you pulled right before midterms. It's going great, you say. - How are your grades?
But, like, C's get degrees ... right?
Who really wants to talk about school? No one! As long as you're on track to graduate, does it really matter what your grades are like? Just tell them you're passing and they'll be able to move on to the next question. - What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Ya know, a few clubs here and there.
Just tell them you spend most of your time at the library. They don't need to know that's actually the name of your nightly hotspot.
- Are you dating anyone?
So you want me to get good grades, have a job and a love life? HA.
I always hate to disappointment on this one, but my relationship status still hasn't changed since the last time I saw you ... so can we not rub it in anymore than you already have? - So there’s no one you’re interested in?
Since they can’t take "no" for an answer.
- Do you ever cook?
Does cereal count?
Don't let them know about that one time you almost burned down your kitchen. You're just sticking with what you know.
- How is work?
It's called work for a reason, but feel free to mention that you're a struggling college student. Sometimes your favorite uncle will slip you a $20 ... just don't tell your sister. - Are you still friends with anyone from high school?
Does Facebook count?
People grow apart ... it happens. But the ones that stuck around after freshman year are in it for the long run. - How's the gym?
It's great! I pass it every single day!
Yes, we've all gained a little weight since high school, and yes we have more "free time" than ever, but at the same time we're actually too busy to get to the gym every day! Little do our relatives know, it takes about an hour to park, and it is quite a process to get there. So don't judge us as we're about to chow down on the first home cooked meal we've had all semester. - Have you started applying for jobs or internships?
It's a work in progress, ya know?
- What are your plans after graduation?
My favorite question because it's probably asked the most! I don’t even remember what I ate for lunch yesterday so stop asking me what my plans are six months from now! I’m just trying to make it through this semester ... I’d rather not talk too far in advance.
