Holidays are used as a time for families to come together, stuff themselves with food and share stories. Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. Whether that be your aunt who shares too much or your younger cousins throwing food past your head, it can be a bit stressful for some. Then come those questions that we all dread getting asked every year. Even when they’re not directed at you specifically, sometimes you’d rather leave the room than be asked for your opinion. We asked students what question they were dreading the most.

Layla Howell, freshman illustration major, said that she doesn’t want to hear “How’s school?” these holidays. 

For many, these last few weeks of school are the worst, and when they’re home for a break, it’s the last thing they want to talk about.

Mackenzie Hinton, junior communication studies major, said she dreads the inevitable “What are you going to do after college?” 

She also doesn’t want to be asked if she’s gone out partying, even if it is by the “cool” family member.

Hinton also said that her family talks about how college “brainwashes” people. 

“I had those opinions long before I went to college,” Hinton said.

Alyssa Tisserand, sophomore diagnostic medical sonography major, said she hates the typical “Do you have a boyfriend?” question.

“I hate that question, just don’t ask,” She said.

Tisserand also said she wants to avoid the small talk starter that’s “What have you been up to?”

One we can all relate to that Tisserand brings up is constantly having to remind or re-explain what your major is to people. 

Mallory Friend, sophomore political science and sociology major, said she dreads the political talk around the table. 

“Being a political science major, I got asked, ‘I hope you picked the right side’. What does that even mean?” Friend said. 

She also wants to avoid the religious talk, especially with all the rapture talk. 

“My aunt always brings up the rapture coming,” Friend said.

Natalie Tran, sophomore pre-dental hygiene major, is bracing for the comparison to other family members.

Tran said she is not looking forward to the comments on her appearance. 

“They always do the ‘You look bigger/smaller.’ I hate that,” Tran said.

The Shield published a poll on our Instagram Nov. 14, asking students “What topic do you dread the most around the dinner table during the holidays?” The four options were: politics, sports, religion and family drama. 

33 responses were gathered, 21 of which voted for politics. Four votes came in for sports, five for religion, and three for family drama.

Overall, everyone, for the most part, wants to avoid different topics out of wanting to preserve their own happiness or someone else. This holiday season, let’s keep it fun and keep it friendly. If you don’t want someone asking you something, don’t ask someone else.