Every holiday and break, whether they are physically in the presence of family or just fielding those phone calls from home, college students get asked a series of questions. The following are just a few examples of the stereotypical questions we may or may not be tired of answering.

1. How is school?

Now this one isn't a bad one, but the answer that comes will most definitely be as vague as the question: "good." And then the conversation ends and the student feels as if he should have more to say. It's a polite question, but everyone involved feels at least a little awkward, and no real information is exchanged. But I guess it's better than saying nothing?

2. Met any cute (insert gender of choice)?

This one is just hard to answer. If the student is actually in a relationship, then they can choose to say so, or not to say so. But, if the student is not in a relationship, they are then only reminded that they are alone. It can also get awkward if the student has a crush on someone or is in a complicated relationship, possibly of which they would prefer not to speak.

3. Do you have a job?

This is my personal favorite because whether the student is working, looking to work or avoiding it for the moment, the last thing they want to talk about on break is finances. In fact, most college students would probably prefer you just give them money, whether they be employed or not.

4. What's the weather like?

This is a fun one because the student doesn't have to think about school itself but rather the place in which they now live. Most won't mind answering, but I still find it odd how many people ask me about it when they already know the general weather patterns of the different parts of the country.

None of these questions are the worst, but I would encourage all relatives and friends to just ask what you really want to know. We will all happily accept the niceties, but the more detailed (and possibly more original) the question, the better the answer.