As a college student, family gatherings are sometimes dreaded events. Relatives that you barely know want the full scoop on your life and you just don't want to talk about it because you are already stressed out as is. Here is a list of some of the top things that college students hate hearing at family reunions.
1. "Wow, I remember when you used to be so tiny!"
Yes, I have not seen you in eight years, I grew. But then you really think about it and ask yourself, "were they referencing the weight gain from the Freshman 15?" The world may never know.
2. "So what school are you going to now?"
I know that we are friends on Facebook and you are bound to have seen one of my many posts of pictures at school. I am well aware that this question is just some small talk that I don't have time for.
3. "How's school going?"
You usually just reply with something like, "it's great! I love it." This statement is true, but you fail to mention the sleepless nights, the 8 am classes that you roll out of bed looking like a slob for, the various breakdowns from stress, and the never-ending hangovers. Other than that, you are thriving.
4. "Are you working yet?"
This question just triggers all sorts of emotions for college students. The stereotypical broke-college-kid in you just cries thinking about the pesky job that you have now to pay off loans and buy food so you don't have to eat sleep for dinner. But then you also start panicking because you realize that you eventually need a real person job in the next few years and that scares you.
5. "Have you met anyone interesting at school?"
Yeah, I have met some interesting people - my friends. However, this relative is referring to a boyfriend or girlfriend. Ugh, college is stressful enough and the added stress of finding your soulmate is also lingering...and your family member just reminded you that you are single.
6. "What are you studying?"
Again, this is some more small talk. You are just trying to enjoy this family event, not be interviewed by every single family member there.
7. "What have you been up to lately?"
Honestly, just waking up at around noon and binge-watching Netflix - like any other college-aged kid. You hope that this answer would suffice as you can't think of anything else to say besides, "nothing much."
