How to handle nosy relatives

How we wish that we could choose people in our lives, I mean our relatives. Many of you are nodding in agreement with me. When I see that perfect family with extended relatives on the big screen, I often wonder, how lucky would be those guys who indeed have such a family.

The truth remains different from the big screen. Relatives come in all types, some are sweet, naughty, cranky, horrible, intolerant, sensitive, insensitive, and so on. It’s fun sometimes to see how we try to respond to these relatives. We try to be polite, well-behaved, and not rude, yet the patience level could be checked time and again with their curiosity.

As if not enough handling our relatives, we also sometimes have to deal with the kith and kin of our friends. This has ended up being hilarious, embarrassing, and challenging.

My friend’s aunt was very fond of me, she never missed an opportunity to shower me with praises from head to toe (such a nice child, very obedient, courteous, etc., etc.,) which was too heavy to handle. Soon this became a nuisance for me as I became a butt of jokes for the rest of my friends.

Growing up isn’t easy having some nosy relatives around. They can catch you with their off-guard comments, questions, and awkward moments. For instance, they can spot you at a wedding and ask you, when is your turn, they can even ask you for the price of your clothes in front of a crowd, and comment on how much weight you have put on, what percentage did you score? What happened to your  Ufff… the list is endless.

Well, how then do we deal with these questions and bombardment?

1 Be truthful

Sometimes, when our family members throw questions at us, we lie about the answer because we are scared, they will feel uncomfortable. We may feel they are judging us. Just tell the truth promptly and straightforwardly.

Sometimes, a brutally truthful answer can make them realize that they are invasive and unreasonable by asking.

For example, if they ask you questions like "When are you getting married?" Be honest; you do not have to tell them details or experiences of your personal life situations. Just them that you will let them know when it happens or just you don’t know.

2 Be ready

When you know that there’s a family get-together or occasion, know that there will be that nosy relative and be ready and prepared that you could face a bouncer.

3 Be Confident

Do not show any form of weakness, how your past experience affected your life, or keep a sad face or act like you are seriously affected by the questions. Chin up and reply confidently.

4 Humor

A good joke wouldn't be bad, after all. You answering in this manner can even ease the environment's mood, and they know that you are not angry or taking the questions seriously.

5 Switch the topic

A fast subject change will send the right message to that nosy relative. When one of those relatives comes to have a conversation with you and the questions get offensive or directly invade your privacy, immediately switch the topic.

6 Don’t take it personally

Sometimes, it's just the person's character to gather information and spread gossip around. That's why you shouldn't take it so personally and be hard on yourself when they come at you.

Conclusion:

Dealing with a nosy relative isn't easy as many people love to question other people’s choices. But you need to be strong to handle such situations, no matter how difficult, and never excuse your choices. We would also love to hear from you on how you handle your nosy relatives. Until then Transform Happily!