As the holiday season approaches, we can all expect to be bombarded with unwanted and unwarranted questions from relatives we never quite prepare for. From politics to relationships and career choices, family members never hold back. 

Dinner table conversations can be tricky, so I’ve put together a “Survival Guide” to help you navigate the most common holiday interrogations with grace (and maybe a little humor). Don’t worry – you’ll be provided with multiple response options to help you prepare for whatever curveball gets tossed your way.

So before you find yourself cornered by Aunt Linda and her “just curious” questions, take a deep breath – we’re about to carve out some patience before the turkey.

1. Are you dating anyone yet?

Starting off with one of the most common questions – one that invites your relatives to pull up a chair and dive straight into your personal life. Let’s break it down:

• Option 1: "Yep – and so far, they’ve survived a family dinner, so I’d say it’s getting serious."
  
  (Bonus: watch your relatives instantly start planning a wedding in their heads.)
   
• Option 2: "Yes, but things are new so I’ll spare you the details."
  
  (Translation: please, do NOT ask for details.)
   
• Option 3: "No, I’m okay being on my own for now."
  
  (A subtle reminder to granny that people don’t always get married right out of high school anymore.)

2. What will you do with that degree?

This one usually comes right after you remind them what you’re studying – because no matter how many times you tell them, they will forget. It’s the classic mix of concern and confusion! Let’s unpack this one:

• Option 1: "I’ll be working as a [plug in a job related to your studies] – putting all these years of studying to use."
  
  (Translation: Yes, I have a plan, no, I’m not throwing away my degree.)
   
• Option 2: "I want to use my degree to [solve problems, help people, start a business, etc.]."
  
  (Bonus: Reminds them that this degree has an actual purpose.)​​​

3. What are your plans after college?

Didn’t the last question answer that? Apparently not, because there’s always time for endless explanations about things you don’t even know the answer to yet. Here’s how to respond without losing your holiday spirit:

• Option 1: "I’m applying for jobs and internships – seeing what fits best."
  
  (Honest and just vague enough to dodge the follow-up questions.)
   
• Option 2: “I’m still exploring my options right now.”
  
  (Translation: Thanks for the pressure Aunt Karen, but I’ll figure it out.”
   
• Option 3: "To take over the world… one student loan payment at a time."
  
  (A little dramatic, but hey, so is this entire experience.)

4. When are you going to move out?

Nothing says “family time” like being reminded of your living situation. Hopefully I’m not the only one who wishes my relatives would appreciate the fact that I’m only trying to save money. Let’s proceed…

• Option 1: "As soon as I find a place that doesn’t cost my entire paycheck, any suggestions?"
  
  (Translation: Well, grandma, I’m still in school, working part-time and have you seen this economy?)
   
• Option 2: “I’m enjoying the rent-free life while it lasts!”
  
  (Honesty is a great response – just because Uncle Bob moved out at 17, doesn’t mean you have to.)

5. How about what’s going on in this country?

That’s just another way of saying – “Tell me your political opinion so I can unload mine at the most uncomfortable moment possible.” Let’s really take a moment to refine this response, because the slightest misstep could spark a full-blown family debate:

• Option 1: “I think every year has its ups and downs."
  
  (Translation: Let’s move on please!)
   
• Option 2: “Everyone has their own thoughts… and mine are on this delicious food.”
  
  (Ah yes, a perfect distraction – the aroma of a delicious meal wafting in the background of this conversation.)
   
• Option 3: “Well, I can’t pretend I understand everything that’s happening.”
  
  (Don’t be afraid to dodge, because that one relative you barely see is probably a little bit more passionate about this topic than you are.)

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully you gained a few good words (or sentences) of advice to survive the season. As much as we celebrate this time of year for bringing warmth and togetherness, they can also turn into a battleground for personal questions.

Of course, I’m being a little dramatic, but with a few prepared responses in your pocket, navigating tricky topics this year can be a lot easier. Happy holidays, and let the dinner table conversations begin!