Well, the holidays are here my friends. As college students we are only almost adults and with being almost and basically adults comes all the questions. So, here is a Holiday Cheat Sheet for all those interactions with relatives, neighbors, and of course the nosy elderly people we all know and love.
1. What are you doing with your life?
The dreaded question. C'mon people, weren't you an early 20's individual at one point? Of course I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I have plans, but we all know how well plans turn out most of the time. But instead of having a public panic attack, simply say, "Currently, I'm focusing on school and taking it all one step at a time!" Always feel free to turn the tables and ask what led them to their passion! Who knows; they might have some inspirational guidance!
2. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?
Another family favorite. Internally, there are many responses, be it not wanting to share who the super awesome guy is that you like, but not quite sure if he likes you back; just not wanting to talk about your personal life, or just getting out of a relationship or almost relationship. Instead of losing it, simply say "I'm focusing on forming a career right now and school is my number one priority!". You can always switch the topics and ask them how they met their significant other!
3. Are you still doing [ insert major program here]?
This is always a great one. Apparently what major you are determines what you are doing with the rest of your life. Also, do people realize that there are so many very important jobs that don't require a college education?! Internally, we all dread this because if you switched your major it's an awkward moment of "um, noooo," and if you are still in the same major, but not excited about it, it's a great moment to practice faking how much you love something you secretly hate. Instead of going on a rant about the qualms of higher education in the world today, say, "I think I'm working towards [ insert job goal here]!" If you actually have a plan, share it! Connections are important. You can also ask them what led them to a career that makes them happy!
4. You know you aren't going to make a whole lot of money doing that?!
The infinite struggle of trying to explain that we are a generation aiming to be happy rather than making the most money. Also, have you all heard of social responsibility?! It's important to give back to the community and try to better the lives of those who can't. Instead of going on a rant about how money ultimately doesn't lead to happiness, this one might be better with a response such as this: "I'm focusing on making enough to exist comfortably and I know many people who are very successful in this field." I'm not sure there's a better way to broach this topic, but kudos to all you who successfully evade this one!
5. When are you going to calm down and start being an adult?
*internally screaming* I don't buy any name brand food, AC is a luxury and the lights are always off. Last time I checked, having fun in life was just as important as paying bills and being responsible. Life isn't just playing it safe. Successfully adulting and having fun at the same time is truly possible! The safest bet is to just go with it on this one! I have learned that even if you don't party it is easier to just smile and nod because people are not convinced that there are college students out there who don't. If you do, just embrace it and lead them to reminisce about their party days!
Here's to all of us and the fantastically awkward small talk of the holidays. However, don't forget to always enjoy the stories told by all the tipsy old folk about the good old days. Those memories are always absolutely priceless.
