The holidays bring family together and with that comes all those annoying and awkward questions from people you donât see very often: Are you dating anyone? When are you going to get a real job? Planning on having kids anytime soon?
Jacqueline Whitmore, an internationally-recognized etiquette expert, author and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, says although it can be irritating and uncomfortable, itâs easy to navigate with a little preparation.
Jacquelineâs advice on how to handle these questions:
–       Are you dating anyone?  This one is bound to come up if youâre single. If you donât want to get into detail, simply say, âI am dating several people right now,â or âNo one special at the moment.â If you are uncomfortable discussing it, you can change the subject or add humor. Never get combative as satisfying as that might be.
–          When are you moving back home? Instead of saying âneverââif thatâs the way you feelâanswer by listing all the reasons you love the place youâre currently living. Is it the best place for your job market? Does it have a great school system? Help others understand what attracts you to the place youâre at now, instead of listing all the reasons you donât want to move back. If you think you could move back eventually, simply say, âWell I havenât decided yet, Iâm still working out my plan.â
–          Are you planning on having kids anytime soon?  If kids arenât in the cards yet, simply say, âNope, not yet.â If you want to have a little fun with grandma on this one, you can say, âWe are just busy practicing right now.â It might make your inquisitor blush, but youâre off the hook.
–          When are you getting a real job?  You can simply say, âI do have a real job.â But if youâd rather not be so direct, say, âI am doing what I love, and you know what they say, âwhen you do what you love, the money will follow.’â
–          You still donât eat meat?  No matter how many times youâve told your family you are a vegetarian, someone will make sure to ask you why youâre not eating any of the holiday turkey. Simply say, âI am still eating my veggies.â
–          So what do you think of that Obama? The best answer here is, âSo what about him? What are your thoughts?â  The idea is to throw the ball back in their court. Of course youâll have to listen to them rant about their own opinions, but it beats whatâs to come if there is a difference of opinion.