In college, the standard "Hi, how are you?" when you first meet someone turns into "Hey, what's your major?" This simple question seemingly gives you a personal inside knowledge about this new classmate you have just met. Depending on the answer, you can learn their interests, intelligence level, personalities, etc. It also allows one to throw some unnecessary shade at a person depending on their response. If they happen to be a double major or have a minor or both, that gives you an even deeper telescope into their lives.

Being apart of the "both" of the latter, anytime I tell someone my majors, it's always a mouth full, yet there is always a certain reaction to one specific part of my degree, and that's when I say my plan as an Anthropology major. Over the course of the year, I've found that there are several common questions (from peers, family, etc.) that follow after I give my answer, and it has become so repetitive, that I can almost pinpoint which response I am going to get from certain people. Knowing I'm not the only one with this problem, here are a few that can help put what I'm saying into to perspective for the lucky ones out there:

1. "Oh..."

That's it. Just one word and a kind of look that you know means they're secretly judging you, but you aren't exactly sure how to take it so you just kind of smile and hope they stop looking at you so oddly. Just "oh".

2. "Wait... Like the store?"

This one is honestly my favorite response, and this has happened on more than one or two occasions. I am always star struck by this that I never quite know what to say. "You're right, I am going to a University to get a degree in the Anthropologie clothing store, how did you know?"

3. "Well what is that?"

This is fair. Most do, but there are a good handful of people who don't know what my major even is, which is completely fine. But a word to the wise, try and ask in a more sensitive way instead of just blurting out four words and making me feel super awkward.

4. "What are you going to do with that?"

For some it's genuine interest, but for other's it's a passive aggressive way of saying "good luck with that." I always go on to explain my end goal, and I can practically see all the stars aligning in their head as they realize I'm actually attempting to do something interesting with my life. This is one of the less annoying responses, since by the end of the conversation they actually understand where I'm headed, but still, yikes.

5. "Really? Are you sure?"

No, I just lied to you in the very first conversation we are currently having. I actually don't even go to this school I just pretend like I do in my free time and have uncomfortable conversations with strangers. YES I AM SURE.

6. "How long is that going to take?"

I'm actually confused as to why I've gotten this question so much. Like I guess if it's a long name for a major that just automatically means the person is going to be in school for nine years? I mean, makes sense I guess.

7. "Wow," "That's different," or "That's interesting"

All of these fall under the category of "I don't really care but I have to say something." Which is understandable when the topic isn't of interest, but at least attempt to show some form of normal human interaction skills instead of just smiling and saying two words.

8. "Was that always your plan?"

This one just gets me every time. Yes, I have thought about this for a long time. Yes, I have considered other things. Yes, that was low key offensive and yes I can tell that you don't approve. This alone is why people kind of suck and why I try and avoid these conversations as much as possible.

9. "So are you planning on marrying rich?"

I have gotten this one time, being asked if I was planning on getting my "Mrs." degree. I think it is safe to say that that certain individual will never attempt to talk to me ever again. Although if this does happen again, I am just going to say yes and watch their reaction.

10. "Are your parents paying for that degree?"

In some cases, the answer is yes, in some cases it's no. Either way, this question is irrelevant due to the fact that "my parents" are not attending the University and taking the classes. Unless you're offering to pay for it, please keep that to yourself.

11. "Well it is your freshman year, you have plenty of time to change it."

While some do in fact change their minds, I am pretty positive I'm set on my decision. Let alone the fact that that statement gives me no sudden urge to decide to change my major. I don't think suggesting to someone on their life choices is ever a good idea, especially when it comes to someone's major, but that's just me.

While some people may not mean any of these things in the passive, snarky way they come across, it still happens. I have learned to take everything in stride, and know that when it comes to my degree, I made it because of me, not for the benefits of others. If you're like me, and have had some of these lovely comments thrown your way, don't sweat it. They're just jealous.