By Rosaly Casaneuva

You can love your family unconditionally, but let’s be real; they drive you crazy sometimes. With the holidays quickly approaching, you are bound to get grilled with annoying, sometimes embarrassing questions. Preparation is key and we’re here to help. When answering these questions there’s what you want to say, and what you should say. ‘Tis the season for awkward questions and we’ve come up with the perfect responses to five of the most frequently asked.

Q: Are you dating anyone?

Most commonly known as “¿Y el novio?” this question will definitely come up and most of the family will hover around to hear the answer. As uncomfortable as this question may be, it requires an answer. The best way to attack this question is to answer with humor and say something like, “I’m dating a few people right now,” or keep it short and sweet and say, “No one special right now.”

Q: Have you gotten accepted to any schools yet? Where are you applying?

Even though you might feel like saying, “If you ask me one more time I’ll go to Miami-Dade,” that might not be the smartest way to go. Instead, list some of the schools you have applied to and if you haven’t applied to any, then lie. You are better off lying than getting the whole college-is-a-good-thing speech during the holidays.

   

Q: Have you gained weight? Or you’re too skinny.

Although very offensive, relatives who only see you during the holidays always ask this question. Instead of punching them in the gut you could simply say, “No. Now let’s eat,” or you can be honest and say, “Well, I haven’t been going to the gym lately.”

 

Q: How’s your: ex-boyfriend or girlfriend/former best friend?

In your head you may be saying, “Never in a million years will I talk to that incompetent moron,” but to avoid further questions just say, “I haven’t caught up with them lately. Wait, I think my mom is calling,” then you run. If you’ve brought someone home for the holidays in the past this question will certainly be asked by some nosey relative.

 

Q: Why are you always on your phone?

“Because I want to,” is just flat out rude and that’s not the goal here. We want you to enjoy the holidays despite the interviews. Older generations will not understand this generations’ attachment to cell phones, usually grandma and/or grandpa ask this question. If what you really want to say is that you are bored and have nothing better to do, don’t say it. “I’m just checking my emails. I’m busy with school/work,” sounds better and they’ll probably leave you alone.

Don’t think that these questions cease after a certain age – they continue for the rest of your life.

When are you going to start a real career? When are you getting married? Are you planning on having any kids anytime soon? Are you really going to let your child eat that? There’s no way out.

If you have any more awkward questions you don’t know how to answer? Post them below in the comments.