5 Ways to Survive Thanksgiving
The holidays, the worst and best time of our academic season. For many it strikes panic and fear about what crazy questions our in-laws, grandparents, aunts and uncles might ask us, all circling around our impending future as college students and beyond. For others, they don’t even have time to panic because of the heavy load of work their professors have placed on them. Whatever has you in a frenzy this holiday season, be sure to follow these easy tips for some relief and gratefulness this Thanksgiving!
1. Update Your Facebook
It is 2017, almost everyone is on social media. Even though Great Grandma and Pop Pop might not be caught up, at least cousins and most others are following you on the most basic form of social media, Facebook. If you have a new boyfriend, new job, new house or anything "new," posting about it on Facebook is a great way to get the word out so people aren't taken back when they see you for the first time since last Thanksgiving. Doing this helps take the awkwardness away of relatives inquiries.
2. Honesty is the Best Policy
Just tell the truth. It is so easy to find your mind to concocting wondrous stories to reply when asked about after-school plans. If you don't know, you don't know, and it is okay to bluntly say that. Being this candid will either scare away any more questions or entice more, whatever the case being honest with yourself and your family is much better than the latter. After all, they are your family, their unconditional support is ideally, the root of their existence.
3. A Glass of Wine Won't Hurt
If you are of drinking age and drinking around your family is acceptable, having a glass of wine while breaking bread is also a great way to take the edge off the Q&A session with your family. It is also a way of showing your family you have grown up, taking on your role as a young adult is all apart of the "coming of age" process.
4. Become the Instigator
Instead of being on the other end of the endless, "where is your future going," questions, ask your relatives about their kids, their lives, their ambitions, and careers. Not only will it take the focus off you, but it will also show that you care about what they have to say. To a grandfather or aunt, that is everything and more.
5. Lastly, Be Thankful!
At the end of the day, these people who love you are only hammering you with questions because they care about you and are interested in the developing course of your life. That is something to be thankful for! Every time, annoyance creeps up, it is always good to check the intention behind all the questions. Most of the time, their intentions come from a good place.
