My high school global studies teacher always told us:
There are three things you don’t discuss at the dinner table: money, religion and politics.
His words have been my life mantra ever since. I never minded telling folks, “sorry, I don’t discuss politics” in bars or parties. Like, can we talk about this when alcohol isn’t involved?
Maybe I’m extra careful because I’ve lived a very far from traditional life. Disclaimer: Close friends and family members, who actually care about you and aren’t trying to control your life, may ask you the questions below. I’m referring to the nosy Sherlock Holmes’s who want to push their beliefs on you. Harsh? #IAintSorry
Awkward Questions to Ban from Your Dinner Table
“What do your parents do for a living?”
I used to respond with, “I don’t have parents,” but that made things even more awkward. You know the movies where a poor person and rich person fall in love, and the rich family disapproves? That’s what this question reminds me of. It also reminds me of all the people who don’t have positive relationships with their whose parents, or the ones living without parents.
“When are you going to start having kids?” Followed by, “Why?” or “Why not?”
Please mind your own uterus friends. Aside from having the right to decide to not have kids, some people deal with infertility, miscarriages and other life changing issues.
“Did you gain weight?”
Actually, I avoid anything weight related. Unless I know the person was working towards a specific goal. Even “Did you lose weight?” is an awkward question for some. Stress, depression and sickness all effect weight. The last thing you need to do is bring it up for discussion around others.
“When are you going to get a ring on that finger?” Also see, “When are you going to put a ring on that finger?”
Let single folks be single in peace. What if you’re ruining a surprise proposal, or pressuring this person to settle for an idiot?
“Who did you vote for?”
This may also be disguised with, “How do you feel about the Presidential Election?” No. Nope. Nah. It’s a setup. A setup to sabotage dinner and/or friendships.
Moral of the story: ask yourself if this question is appropriate for a group setting before asking anything. Spark a conversation, but don’t set the damn room on fire. K? K!
What cringeworthy life questions have you been asked? If you don’t mind reliving it, comment below!
