It's everyone's favorite time of the year: the holiday season. That means eating way more than your stomach can hold, seeing family members that you only see once a year, and that ever-needed break from school. You finally get a chance to step back and breathe from the craziness of the semester, and just relax for a couple of weeks. Whether that means working a ton or simply binge-watching Netflix with your family, it's a nice break from the insane amounts of schoolwork that you normally have.

There's just one downfall: the crazy family questions. We all know the basic questions that we get asked (and re-asked) by our aunts and grandmas and cousins and neighbors. We're so sick of the repetitive responses that make us feel shitty about our spastic lives (does anyone actually know what they are doing when they graduate?). If we come up with responses beforehand, it will make these questions less depressing and more fulfilling. Here are some easy responses to impress your family and make you feel prouder of all your hard work.

Question 1: "How's school going?"

What you want to say: "I came home to not think about school, so thanks for reminding me of all the unfinished projects I should be working on."

Answer: "It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I'm doing my best."

Why this works: Anyone that asks you about school genuinely wants to know how you're doing. By being honest, but showing your hard work, they will see how much weight this question actually has. Your dedication and strength will be seen if you are honest and explain how many all-nighters you have pulled up to this date.

Question 2: "Are you dating anyone?"

What you want to say (if you're single): "I spend most of my nights watching 'Breaking Bad' with my cats, if that's what you mean."

Answer: "No, I really want to focus on my schoolwork and don't have time to focus on anyone else."

They don't care about how lonely you are staring at your friends' Instagram posts of them and their boyfriends on apple orchard dates. Or how often you use Tinder. Just simply turn it around and tell them how happy you are with your freedom and independence. And don't take this question personally. Remember, you are a strong, dedicated woman that don't need no man.

What you want to say (if you're taken): "Yes, I am. No, we're not getting married."

Answer: "Yeah, I am, we're just not at a point in our relationship to meet each other's family yet."

We all know that is their next follow-up question. There's no need to be rude or push off the topic. Tell them what you like about your significant other (without TMI). Show that you are serious, but that college is still a time to be selfish. There's no need to start bringing them around the family. You have the rest of your lives to do that, and your family will more than likely understand.

Question 3: "What are you doing when you graduate?"

What you want to say (if you know): "Yeah, and I'm probably going to shit my pants every day until I become a real adult."

Answer: Tell them with great detail and excitement.

They know you're scared. They remember what it felt like to graduate. If you focus on how excited you are, they will see your passion and be even more excited for you. You can tell them that you're nervous, but they are looking to hear more about how happy you are. Focus on that and your conversation will be golden.

What you want to say (if you don't): "F*CK OFF."

Answer: "I want to make sure I'm going to be truly happy, so I'm still exploring my options."

They are not trying to attack you (even though every time someone asks you this, you feel like crying into a soft puppy and eating copious amounts of chocolate). They should understand that choosing a future is very stressful and oftentimes impossible. Take note of the fact that they just want to hear about your plans so that they can be happy for you, too. Take a breath. Answer calmly. Grab another piece of pie.

Question 4: "You look like you lost some weight! What have you been doing?"

What you want to say: "Oh, was I obese before? I actually thought I gained weight, so I'm confused."

Answer: "Thank you so much! I have just been trying to stay as healthy as I can, with all the stress I deal with."

Accept the compliment. Don't think too much into it. People, most times, are genuine when it comes to compliments on looks. I'm sure they saw you go up for seconds of ham and potatoes, and they do not care. Own it and move on.

Question 5: "How is your ex-best friend/boyfriend/girlfriend/roommate/someone you haven't spoken to since 2004?"

What you want to say: "I actually heard they're in Hell!"

Answer: "I actually haven't heard from them in a long time. I think they are doing well."

There's no need to air out your dirty laundry to your Aunt Mimi. Chloe from high school may be a deadbeat going nowhere, but there's no need to be rude and gossip. She may love to hear all the dirt, but all it does is cause drama. Maybe switch the subject and talk about the new people that are important in your life.

Question 6: "Do you think you'll move back home soon?"

What you want to say: "I would rather put limes on my eyeballs."

Answer: "If it's economically the best option, then I will. But if not, then I would prefer to have my own place."

They only ask because they miss seeing you around. Don't take it as they don't think you are capable of taking care of yourself. Family often needs to be reminded that you are an adult now. You didn't go away to summer camp. You are taking care of yourself on your own (as scary as that thought seems most days). Let them know that you miss them while you're away and thoroughly enjoy their company when you do get the opportunity to come home.