From a first year who went home for Thanksgiving…
How are you liking New York? – 7/10
Perfectly innocent question. The only problem is that it inevitably leads to “what do you do in the city?” (which I cannot answer truthfully) or “your poor parents, why so far??” (which I also cannot answer truthfully).
Are you taking the subway at night? I told you not to take the subway at night. Are you? ARE YOU? – 1/10
Clearly, there is only one correct answer to this question. I have no choice but to respond with “No, mom, of course not,” while wiping the remnants of her spit from my face.
Is it cold? – 5/10
Yes, it’s cold. Not the most intelligent question. But I do love scaring my San Diego based family with tales of CLOUDS and RAIN and LONG SLEEVED CLOTHING.
Can I see your dorm? – 10/10
I love this one. I get to show them a picture of the cupcake that’s been sitting on my desk since move in, and watch them recoil.
Do you have friends? – 2/10
Do you have any faith in me? A simple “tell me about your friends!” would have sufficed. I do, however, like telling them about my friends (hence the two points).
Do you have a boyfriend? – 0/10
No. I go to Barnard.
Do you want a boyfriend? – 0/10
No. I go to Barnard.
When are you going to get a boyfriend? – 0/10
GRANDPA I GO TO BARNARD.
What are you studying? – 5/10
This one offers me the perfect opportunity to brag about my ridiculous math class. However, it often leads to “wow, how is that going?” which backs me into a rather unfortunate corner. “Not great,” I tell them, verging on a meltdown, before confessing to my failed midterm.
So I’m paying thousands of dollars a year for you to fail a math class?? – 10/10
Simple, direct, accurate. No qualms with this one. Sorry mom and dad!
There’s a STRIKE?? Who’s the president?? Should I call the president?? – 4/10
I appreciate the confidence, but I don’t think he’d take your call. Also, what were you planning on SAYING?
How are the dining halls? – 9/10
This one offers me the perfect opportunity to COMPLAIN. “All I eat is PIZZA,” I wine, glancing at my father across the table, hoping he’ll offer me money to spend on food.
Oh DEAR! Should I send you cookies? – 1000/10
Thank you, grandma. Good to know that SOMEBODY cares.
Are you wearing that sweater I got you? – 0/10
I am not.
Thanksgiving Dinner via Bwog Archives