Tis the season to be jolly, oh yes it is. As much as I love the holidays, there is one aspect to it that I dread; I mean absolutely dread. That is extended family coming over and asking questions about my life. Of course, it is nice to have a house full of love and family but sometimes, people like getting into your business too much. I get the regular “so... are you seeing anyone?”, “how’s school?”, “are you working (am I a successful career woman yet)?" Well, if you have been in my shoes, then you know how I feel. And if you have not, then sit back and listen to my thoughts as I sit through these horrendous interrogations.
My Dating Life
These questions always seem a little more pointed towards women, since a lot of family's’ dialogue is revolved around their girls and marriage. It may be that I get defensive but this question brings me to my boiling point. IS MY LOVE LIFE THE ONLY IMPORTANT THING ABOUT ME?!?! NO, it is absolutely not! Sure, they are probably just curious but I’m sick and tired of getting asked this question. First of all, it's my business and if I wanted to share it with the world, then I would have already. Second, maybe ask me about my goals and how I'm working towards them or pretty much anything else. My dating life does not define my whole being, thank you very much.
School
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I just suffered a whole semester of procrastination that led to sleepless nights, a billion of papers, and too many exams. Does it look like I want to bring that back during my time off ?! Plus, it doesn't help that even though I just finished finals, I am excruciatingly waiting for my grades to come in. I'm dying here, seriously.
Work
I understand that anyone who is a student and a worker at the same time deserves major props. That life is not easy and I truly applaud anyone who excels at both. Yet, older generations seem to disregard that school is still a job. They believe that going to school and working is what truly makes you a hard worker. I understand that but please understand this: education has changed. It has become advanced and harder and I’m not here to whine about it. I’m just here to say that if I’m in school and not working, don’t think I’m a lazy bum. School is my job and it is tough work, don’t demean my way of life because it doesn’t live up to your expectations.
May we all be patient when asked these questions. If you cannot keep your cool, then just be honest because you have a voice too and family does not change that.
