It seems as though all social media in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Break have been preaching the same message: relatives shouldn't ask about school, relationships, jobs, the future, or basically anything related to a college student's life. And yeah, I get it. Relatives can be annoying sometimes. But by no means does that give you a right to ignore them or dictate what they're allowed to talk to you about. So yes, you should answer your relatives questions during the holidays. Here's why.

1. This is probably the first time they've seen you since the holidays last year, a lot has changed in your life and theirs.

The holiday season is literally that, a season. The point of it is to spend time with family that you haven't seen since the last holiday season, so these relatives most likely haven't seen you or spoken to you since at the very least Christmas. Believe it or not, they actually do want to know what is going on in your life. I know shocking. Especially now, since you're figuring out what you want to do in life and deciding what kind of grown-up you're going to be. They're not the ones that you call weekly venting and complaining about something new, with the occasional breakdown (hi, Mom). They aren't tired of hearing you complain, and they actually want to hear about your life. So tell them. And hey, you never know what kind of networking you can do within your very own family.

2. They are actually interested in your life and your well-being.

Relatives worry, not just moms and dads. They all do. Take it as a compliment that they care enough to listen about your college life, and humor them with a few (appropriate) stories. They want to know that you're doing good just as much as your parents do. They want to hear your problems and about your classes, they want to give you advice and they want to listen and make sure that you are okay. Give them that. They want to feel like they're still included in your adult life.

3. A new set of ears can be refreshing.

I know that whenever something exciting happens in my life, I want to tell absolutely everyone. New internship or job? I bet those aunts and uncles will be fawning over how responsible and hard-working you are. New boyfriend? They'll go on and on about how cute he is, or that you're just too great for anyone to deserve you. Changed slightly since the last year? Be ready for a crazy amount of compliments on how beautiful or grown-up you look. Relatives don't know all about us like our parents. They don't hear our breakdowns or know that we have five dollars in our bank account that will probably go toward drunk food. To them, we're these amazing, resilient people and who doesn't want to be that? Bragging is fun and parents get bored of us, so brag away this coming Thanksgiving dinner.

4. They went to college at one point, and probably have stories of their own.

In my family, my mom and my two uncles all went to college together. This means that whenever I have a story, they have a better one waiting to embarrass my mom with. And let me tell you, it's great. Knowing these successful people that went through and did a lot of the same stuff that I do now helps me know that I'll make it, I'll graduate. And sometimes, a little glimpse to the future is a nice kick to get those grades up or work a little harder on that paper. My uncles love telling stories, and whenever they start they go on for hours. This shifts the focus off me for a while, but it also gives me a lot of new ideas for ways to have fun on the Hill.

5. They're your family.

This is the most important reason of all. They are your family. They love you. They watched you grow up and go through every major milestone, up until at least marriage and babies and real jobs. Let them treat you like a kid, it's comforting. Let them ask you all their questions because most likely, they are so excited to ask them and find out about your life on your own. Don't be snobby or rude, and don't think that their questions aren't worth your time. These are the people that will be around at graduation, at your wedding, and at every holiday dinner. Be nice, listen to them, and answer their questions. You'll be glad that you did.

Our generation is full of entitled kids that think they don't have to answer questions and talk to relatives. Well, they're wrong. Our relatives are resources of untapped knowledge and advice. Let them listen to you, and listen back. You should consider yourself lucky that they even care enough to ask. Don't be the stereotypical millennial that doesn't care about the older generation. Break that stereotype this week at dinner, it'll be worth every second of conversation.