Studies Show Relatives With Too Many Questions About College More Afraid Of You Than You Are Of Them

YOUR HOME—Recent studies have proven that extended families, typically encountered during the holidays, are just as afraid, if not more, of you than you are of them.“It’s just like a spider or a snake. Their intimidation methods can be challenged by you asking them personal questions right back,” said expert Keith Magin, PhD, “except probably don’t roll up a magazine and hit them, that won’t work.”Students who come home from college are typically asked questions about their relationship status, extra curricular activities, and whether or not they’ve finally switched out of an English major and are finally studying something that will get them a good job.The poll gives examples of follow up questions to ask your relatives, such as “So Aunt Suzy, ever since you’ve become an empty nester, how have you given your life purpose?” or “Hey Uncle Tom, I was wondering if you enjoy work as a financial supervisor or if you’ve just set up a routine of waking up, going to work, coming home from work and going to bed in order to suppress an existential need for a more satisfying life?”Researchers say that relatives are all talk and no play, which means that although they might put up an intimidating front, they can’t handle being asked questions about themselves.“It’s time that college students start calling their relatives out on their bluff, it just goes to show how effective communication really can be,” continued Magin.At press time, this study may have saved you from having to get too personal with your extended family, but it sure won’t save you from, “When I was in college, we used to…”