The inevitable uncomfortable question during Christmas meals: how to deal with it?
Christmas meals are often a time for family reunions, but also for sometimes delicate moments. Among the topics that cause tension, there is this famous question that comes up every year and makes everyone uncomfortable. In this article, we will explore the reasons why this question is so embarrassing and how to respond appropriately.
The guilt generated by this question
The question that triggers a sense of guilt in many people during Christmas meals is: “Why don't you come to see us more often?”. According to a study reported by Metro UK, 92% of respondents hope they don't have to answer it. This question, usually asked by parents or grandparents, has the ability to instill a sense of guilt in the person being questioned. Indeed, it highlights the fact that we don't spend enough time with our loved ones and that we may be neglecting them.
The feeling of guilt can be reinforced by social and family pressure, which pushes us to want to be there for our loved ones. Furthermore, the holiday season is often emotionally charged, which can accentuate this feeling. It is therefore important to know how to handle this question and respond appropriately to avoid feeling uncomfortable.
Other taboo topics during Christmas meals
The question of the frequency of visits is not the only taboo topic during family meals during the holidays. The Metro UK study also reveals other questions that no one wants to hear at Christmas dinner:
- Questions about love life: “Still single?” or “When are you getting married?”
- Questions about professional life: “Are you still looking for a job?” or “Are you making good money?”
- Questions about life plans: “When are you having a baby?” or “Are you planning to buy a house?”
These questions can be just as embarrassing as the one about the frequency of visits, as they touch on intimate aspects of our lives. It is therefore essential to know how to respond without feeling uncomfortable or offended.
How to respond to these uncomfortable questions?
To answer these uncomfortable questions, it is important to stay calm and not let your emotions overwhelm you. Here are some tips to help you:
- Take a deep breath and stay calm. Don't let the question destabilize you.
- Answer honestly, but without going into details. For example, if you are asked why you don't come more often, explain that you are very busy with work or studies, but that you are doing your best to be present.
- If the question is too intrusive, don't hesitate to set boundaries by saying that you prefer not to talk about it or that it's none of their business.
- Change the subject by asking a question to your interlocutor or by bringing up a lighter topic.
By following these tips, you will be able to handle these uncomfortable questions diplomatically and avoid feeling uncomfortable during Christmas meals.
In conclusion: learning to manage uncomfortable questions to enjoy the holidays
Christmas meals are an opportunity to gather with family and share good times. However, some uncomfortable questions can disrupt these reunions. By learning to handle these questions diplomatically and setting boundaries, you will be able to fully enjoy the holidays without being overwhelmed by feelings of guilt or discomfort. Remember that the most important thing is to spend time with your loved ones and create beautiful memories together.
Maximilien Descartes est un rédacteur chevronné spécialisé dans les FAQ, avec plus de quinze ans d’expérience. Diplômé en journalisme de l’Université de Paris-Sorbonne, il a commencé sa carrière en écrivant pour diverses publications en ligne avant de se concentrer sur la création et la gestion des FAQ. A travers son travail, il s’efforce de fournir des informations claires, concises et pertinentes pour faciliter la compréhension du lecteur. Lorsqu’il n’est pas en train de peaufiner les moindres détails d’une FAQ, vous pouvez le trouver en train de lire le dernier roman de science-fiction ou de parcourir la campagne française à vélo.
