December is undoubtedly the most expensive, most beautiful and most social month of the year. You buy gifts, celebrate with your family and like it or not, you have to interact with them. Now, imagine yourself sitting at the table, with family and/or cousins, asking you all sorts of annoying and annoying questions.
We've all experienced it, so here's an answer to the most common questions.
Will you eat again?
Actually, yes. I need enough energy to last you through the night. (Laugh so the answer doesn't seem too serious) ;)
And when are you getting engaged/married/having a baby?
Now! We were even thinking of saying/doing it today, so that you would be happy.
How much is your salary?
How fixed do you think I am?
But so-and-so's life is on the line, what are you doing?
I have it on the line too, you just see so-and-so's oyster.
Are you dressed like that again?
As long as I buy clothes for my body and style, this is how I will dress.
Have you met any good boys/girls?
Yhyy, full! They are so good that I don't know who to choose, I am confused.
What if you lost weight?
Wow, I was going to say the same thing about you.
If you don't feel comfortable enough to give these answers, consider these tips so you don't get stressed out by family members poking their noses everywhere:
Understand your feelings
If you feel irritated or stressed, it's normal.
If you find that you can't handle the pressure your family is putting you under, take a short break, make a phone call, or drink something to help you get back to your best form.
But most importantly, do not ignore your emotions, as they will translate into an explosion that will surprise everyone, even yourself.
Set boundaries
If you have an aunt who keeps asking you when you're getting married, or a grandmother who makes rude comments about how much food you're eating, don't hesitate to put up barriers.
You can start with a polite sentence that implies you understand his/her curiosity, but you simply don't have to answer.
An example: "I understand that you are curious, but I don't want to discuss this topic now."
Only go to parties/family/cousins ??where you feel comfortable
A common factor of holiday stress is trying to please everyone and go everywhere.
You have to know where to stop and go only to the people you visit with pleasure and above all, they don't even want to know how much money you get at your new job.
Know when to leave
Don't try to stay at home for a whole week or month, or visit everyone.
Also, when the situation becomes awkward, or when it's clearly time to leave the table, don't try to delay action.
Take the right time to calm down
Sometimes, stress catches you by surprise and what you can do is to keep calm and especially, take the right time to calm down.
Sleep, watch a comedy movie, listen to music that makes you happy, eat something good and don't ignore your brain's need for a break.
Change the subject
The evil of family members? They don't know when to stop asking questions.
The good of family members? They are easily distracted. So, pick a topic that has the family's attention and give it a go!
Observe the situation
If all else fails and the family member just doesn't know when to stop and insist, just don't talk and observe the situation. The less you engage in the conversation, the more comfortable they will leave you.
Behave well
Focus on politeness and consider age, mindset and relationship, but again, set the right boundaries!
