You've almost successfully (or maybe unsuccessfully) made it through your first semester at college. You've kind of figured out how to study, navigated your way through confusing buildings, figured out the best places to eat lunch and marched through unchartered territory, hopefully with some laughs along the way. Now that we're approaching the holiday season, you shouldn't expect anything different regarding the laughing and the figuring out of how you handle family gatherings now that you aren't in high school.

Everyone talks about how you get asked if you're dating anyone, how your grades are, etc., but what you don't yet realize is how much of a reality this is. It happens. Be prepared. Know your answers. Plan your lies, if that's your thing.

The odd Aunt/Uncle

This is the family member that's going to ask you about something they saw online that happened your school, but little do they know you weren't related to in any way, shape or form. You'll probably answer "I have no idea" and they'll carry on about the things they did back in the day.

The silent but deadly

This family member is the one who sits in his or her chair, the same chair every single year, and they don't say much but you can feel them creeping in on every conversation. They probably leave early and tell you they'll see you at Christmas, and you're somewhat thankful that they didn't bombard you with questions about how well you're doing in school.

The 20 questions game

This is everyone's favorite family member. This is the person who probably reads about themselves in every article ever shared college kids and they are most definitely the one with the golden question: "are you dating anyone?!" Just when you think you're done talking about the class you barely passed and that brought down your GPA, they ask what you're taking next semester. Que 50 more questions on class registration and how that works. Oy. Just when you think they're done, they ask you what your summer plans are...que a heated discussion with the rents because you're convinced that you're about to travel all over Europe but they say you're staying to take classes. Peace, love and disagreements!

The teenage pest

This is most likely your cousin or a sibling that feels the need to blatantly ask you questions like "do you drink" or "do you go to parties" right in front of your parents at the table. Sure makes for happy happy conversations and in the car on the way home your parents will most likely ask something like "you really don't party that much, do you?" to which you will respond, "no! of course not!"

The dog AKA your saving grace

Truly the GOAT. The family pet will always be there to fake sleep on the couch with you or to play outside to avoid 20 questions. Keep them close. Keep the leftovers closer.

I know at the end of the day our families just want to hear about our lives and are interested to learn how college is going, so I hope I don't sound like a nag! Sometimes a kid just wants to enjoy their turkey!