Have you ever been annoyed by your family's questions about school, your degree, your social life, your career? Then, you're reading the right article! As a sophomore in college, I know these burning questions all too well, and trust me, your family will ask them every year. I have developed some answers to these questions that are both opened ended but get the point across so that your family won't keep bugging you.

1. "So, what are your plans for college?"

This burning question is often the first one your family members fire at you, and you probably are not prepared to talk about your plans because you just got home from spending endless hours in the library studying for finals. Now that these exams are over, you're just trying to enjoy doing nothing and eating home-cooked meals. It's okay though, all you have to do is give them an answer they cannot argue. If you are sure about your major or minor, then express that. For example, I would say, "Yes actually, I am using my passion to help others by majoring in Elementary Education, and I am combining that with my love of French language by minoring in French." Of course, many of you may not know what you want to study yet, and that is perfectly okay. You will feel pressure from your peers, parents, and other family members to pick your major right away, but how can you pick a major when you do not know what you want yet? College is about learning and growing as an individual, and truly finding yourself, so it is totally okay to explore your options first!

Even though I say it is okay, your family members may not think the same way, so here's what you tell them. "You know, I am really interested in history (or any other subject area, career, passion that interests you), so I plan on exploring this next semester." And when they ask how you plan to explore this interest next semester, you could say "I am taking a class," or "I am joining an organization," or even make up some plan you have if you are not sure. As long as you offer an interest you plan to explore, said family member will be happy because they often associate an interest with your possible career path, so by giving them a specific answer, they will leave you alone.

2. "Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?!"

For some reason, many aunts, uncles, and even parents think college is about getting your degree and settling down once you graduate. That is all lovely and great, but college is actually about finding and working on yourself more than finding a significant other for many of us millennials. This question is also complicated because what even designates someone as your significant other? I mean, college is full of this "Netflix and Chill" trend right now, but you're not actually dating most of the time, but you probably do not want to tell your family members that.

If you have a significant other, then you tell them that, and if they keep pressing with follow up questions, here's what you say "(Person's name) and I enjoy going to the beach (or other places even restaurants you both like)." This is the sneaky part where you turn the attention away from you and your person by asking said family member a question such as "Tell me the story of how you and your spouse met!" or "Remember the time when (hilarious and/or embarrassing family moment) happened?" If you ask them a question that involves a story, they will talk forever, and people love to talk about themselves. In telling this story, hopefully they will forget and/or sense the previous conversation has ended and you can relax.

If you do not have a significant other or are unsure where you stand, then you say "I am focusing on myself and truly exploring my interests! For example, I love rock climbing (or some other activity you love)!" Instead of saying no and then this family member trying to play matchmaker or asking you follow up questions, you have shifted the conversation towards your own growth and learning. Then, you can always ask this family member to tell a story because then you are truly moving the conversation towards them and away from you.

3. "But, don't you know (your career) won't get you a high paying job?"

According to many of our older aunts, uncles, cousins, and even parents sometimes, our career has to have a high salary each year, or we won't be successful. No matter what profession or career you choose, as long as you are happy, money should not matter. I know that is super optimistic of me to say, however even if you are making millions but hate your job, it is going to be very hard to be happy.

There are two ways you can respond to this question, either you are polite but passive aggressive, or you are straight aggressive. For the benefit of your holiday dinner or lunch, it is probably wise to choose the first response. Here's what you tell them "Yes, I am aware that I won't be making billions, but (your career path) is my passion and it makes me happy. That's all that is important to me. I may not be spending my vacation days in luxurious hotels and resorts, but I will be happy." Then, again, try to direct the conversation away from yourself, especially to avoid being compared to your cousins or siblings.

So, these are only three of many possible burning questions your family members could ask, but as along as you remain calm and make your answer somewhat specific and direct the conversation elsewhere, you should be in good shape! Happy holidays, and I hope this helped!