No matter how long you’ve been together with your significant other, friends and family will still pry into your personal life. Here’s how to answer their annoying questions.
When are you getting married?”
This question is probably asked to everyone who has been dating someone for a long time. But don’t lose heart when you have to hear it again. It’s quite possible that caring relatives are simply trying to establish contact with you and can’t find a suitable topic of conversation. Or grandma is worried about your family’s well-being.
If someone persistently and purposefully brings up the topic, don’t lose your temper. Just smile and say, “Don’t worry, you’ll be the first to know!”
“When are you planning to have a baby?”
This question hits a sore spot, especially if years of trying to have a baby have been unsuccessful. Sometimes people are too pushy and tactless.
Gently let them know that they are overstepping your personal boundaries. You can simply joke about it, for example, “We are working on it.”
“When will you have your second child?”
As soon as you have your first child, prepare an answer to this question. Answer with humor: “We don’t want a second one yet, because our first one is perfection!”
“Do you follow the same religion?”
A perfectly reasonable response in this case would be: “Wow, that’s a very unexpected and strange question. Why are you interested in that?” Perhaps the person will realize that his question sounded tactless.
In fact, faith is a personal matter. There are many examples of happy multi-religious families. Although, undoubtedly, much depends on religious traditions, and the opinion of older relatives sometimes really does turn out to be decisive.
“How long have you known each other?”
Two weeks, six months, five years… What difference does it make? If you sense that the question is being judged, quickly respond: “I think it’s my whole life.”
Is anyone surprised that you moved in together so quickly? Just answer, “Really? That’s usually enough time to move on to the next level.” This answer may hurt the ego of the person asking the question. It’s individual, remember that.
“Is your long distance relationship something serious?”
People often judge and do not believe in a happy outcome of a long-distance relationship. Many are surprised: “But you live in different cities. When are you planning to move?”
Questions like these can be answered in the same way as the first one: “You’ll be the first to know.” This short, universal phrase will let you know that the person has invaded your personal space.
“Is he/she going to get a normal job?”
Everyone has their own idea of what a normal job is. For you, for example, being a barista or a salesperson is a pretty good job, but for others, it’s a dead-end option. And the possibility of earning money online is completely incomprehensible to the older generation.
To those who butt in where it’s none of their business, you can say, “I’ll let him/her know that you’re so worried about this.” Just be polite with close relatives.
“Why are you still renting an apartment? When are you going to buy your own?”
People may not know that you’re meticulously saving for your own home . Or that you really like your rented apartment and are happy with it.
If you want, tell it like it is. Or you can add a little irony: “We will definitely invite you when we plan our family budget.”
“Does he/she spend too much time on his/her hobby?”
To this you can simply and honestly answer: “It’s good that he/she has his/her own interests. I like to see my loved one so passionate.”
In the end, everyone should have personal time that they have the right to spend as they want. And a hobby adds variety to our lives and prevents us from burning out at work.
“Why don’t you come together to family gatherings?”
This question implies condemnation of your other half. Or relatives think that your partner does not like them.
If there really is no animosity between them, just say: “He really wanted to, but unfortunately, work doesn’t allow it.”