How is it already the end of the year? It feels like we were just celebrating the Fourth of July yesterday, and now we’re plotting our holiday plans. 

After eleven long months of productivity, the holiday season comes with much-needed breaks and time with your loved ones. But with those gatherings, there may also be hard questions that we’re trying to avoid. And let’s be honest: even though it’s an annual affair, there’s always that one curious family member who goes beyond the small talk and tries to get under your skin with deep questions.

But that’s why we’re here: to help navigate hard conversations during the holidays. We’re over brushing questions aside. If people want to ask something, let them. Here’s how you can prepare for unsolicited questions about your life.

What happened with you and so-and-so?

Annual holiday gatherings come with either showing up with your partner or not. And when you’ve been with someone for a while, people start to raise eyebrows when you arrive solo. Which, honestly, is exhausting. What if your partner decided to skip this one due to mental health reasons? What if y’all are on a break? Whatever the case may be, it’s nobody’s business. The less they know, the better.

A way to respond: “I decided to come alone today to keep my focus on you all.”

Are you still single?

Your relationship status is your own. You don’t have to hard launch your relationship status with anyone — especially in an era where partners are now “embarrassing” to have. Vogue recently explored a cultural trend in which women’s perspectives are shifting from essentially wanting a relationship to being better off alone. So next time someone asks about your personal life, why not have a cheeky response up your sleeve?

A way to respond: “Depends on who’s asking.”

When are you having children?

Being a woman comes with different challenges. Some of these challenges have to do with infertility, mental, physical — the list goes on. Unfortunately, sometimes people don’t know the levels of discomfort one gets when asked about reproduction. Without getting too deep into it, why not respond with a playful response that also serves as a topic changer?

A way to respond: “In this economy?”

What other questions are you trying to avoid this holiday season? We’re all ears and happy to help.