If you're like me, you might find yourself stuffing a little too much stuffing into your mouth just to avoid awkward questions from extended family members this Thanksgiving. I love seeing people I haven't seen in a while, but sometimes I'm dumbfounded as to how to answer their questions. Here are some of the questions you ought to be prepared for:
1. What's your major?
If you're a visual studies, English, philosophy, or classics major, I recommend you prepare a brief stump speech to explain to your grandparents why your major will actually get you a good job, doing something you legitimately enjoy.
2. How's Bethany (or insert name of old childhood friend here)?
OK, I don't know why I chose the name "Bethany." But seriously, how many times have your family members asked you about a friend they met once that you literally haven't spoken to since fourth grade?
3. Any boys? Girls? Hmmmmm?
Blerg. This is a dreaded question for those of us with and without significant others. For those of us without, we're just kind of like *shrug* "No. I'm focusing on my schoolwork!" For those of us with significant others, that brings us to my least favorite, question number...
4. Do you think you guys will get married?
Omg stop, plz. I don't know. I don't care. I am not even 20 years old; I've never even rented a car let alone thought about who I'd be spending a majority of my life with. Sure, I like my significant other -- in fact, I love my significant other. But can't we just enjoy our time together now and not think about if we're gonna be tying the knot? Gimme 10 years to get back to you.
5. Are you registered to vote?
Your answer, in my opinion, should be yes. Even if you are not. You really don't want to get into it with Aunt Shirley about your beliefs on political inefficacy. Followed by...
6. Who are you going to vote for?
This really depends on the family member. Don't lie, but also don't give them the answer that would cause a myocardial infarction. Like, if you're talking to your super conservative uncle, don't tell him you're feeling the Bern. And if you're talking to your super liberal cousin, don't tell him you want to make America great again, but that you think America has never been great and so we should really be working on that with a Dem.
7. What are your grades like?
Honestly, Nana, what if I was just like "I'm literally flunking out and considering becoming a tattoo artist"? There's your next myocardial infarction. Just tell them it's not always easy, but you're trying hard, and you're doing well.
8. What do you want to do with that major?
Remember the classics major? Just tell Nana you want to get a doctorate and be a professor. Perfectly reasonable, perfectly logical. Don't try and explain why classics will help you win a seat on Wall Street.
9. Will I see you sometime soon?
Aw. This is Nana being really genuine, and you just don't realize it. She really wants to see you more, and it breaks her heart that you're both getting older and time is flying away. If you can't come up with a straight answer because you're really not sure, tell her you really hope so. And that seeing her made you really happy.
