With the Holidays just around the corner, you will probably be faced with numerous visits from relatives. As much as you love (or tolerate) your family, answering what seems to be an endless stream of questions can be taxing. But, never fear! There are plenty of ways to cordially answer your relatives’ questions and then get out of the conversation as quickly as possible.
1. Formulate your responses beforehand.
It may seem silly to practice your responses, especially if you do it in front of the mirror, but if you get nervous about talking about your personal life, this helps immensely. Think of your favorite things about school, your possible career paths, and anything interesting (and innocent) that has happened to you recently.
Formulating answers for any possible questions allows you to convey everything you wish to discuss and protects you from being caught off-guard.
2. Give away just enough information.
If you abruptly end a conversation or respond with one-word answers, you will seem extremely rude. Therefore, give succinct, yet informative answers.
For example, whenever someone asks how school is, I do not respond simply with an “It’s good.” Rather, I add in a sentence or two about the location, my studies, or something interesting I learned.
Instead of “It’s good,” I say, “It’s really good. I love being so close to the city but still having a campus. New York City is amazing, but I prefer the traditional college experience.”
It’s short and simple but packs in a lot of information.
3. Remember to whom you are speaking.
Sometimes being candid with your family is okay. Your older cousins ask about the party scene on campus and you answer truthfully about an awesome weekend you had last month.
But, maybe your grandmother does not need to hear about the cute boy you kissed last weekend. Be aware of who is within earshot. That way, you can avoid any potentially awkward explanation of what “Netflix and Chill” means.
4. Smile.
Smiling is a foolproof way to end a conversation without seeming rude. After you have answered a relative's question with your formulated speech, smile to alert them that you have completed the answer. Even if your answer is concise, it will not seem as though you are being shy or withholding information. Rather, it seems as if you are simply finished with your response
Note: This may backfire and result in another string of questions. If so, continue with short statements and aggressive smiling.
5. Laugh through intrusive questions.
There is always that one relative who asks about your love life. Unless you are in a committed relationship, and even if you are, you probably do not want to discuss it. Maybe you are perpetually single and content with that status. Maybe you have someone special but do not feel the need to explain to Great Aunt Sally that you are not into labels. Either way, you need to end that question as quickly as possible.
So, laugh through the pain.
A subtle laugh followed by a “Oh no. I am much too busy with school for that.” is a perfect way to respond when your relatives start to descend into the nosy topics of conversation.
6. Relax.
This is your family you are talking about. Sure, you may not want to divulge certain pieces of your life or keep discussing the same topic over and over again. However, they truly are interested in how you are doing.
They are your family and you are stuck with them. So, you might as well tell them a little about your life. Right?
Always remember that these questions come from a place of good intentions. Your family probably has not seen you in while and is interested in your life. Indulge them with some information. They really are trying to get to know you better because they love you.
