There are a series of life questions that people ALWAYS ask (myself included). It starts when we are three years old and a teacher or loved one asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Is it because it’s cute? Is it because our answer is indicative of who we may become? Either way, it begins this trend of pressuring us to always have a good answer on hand. Then, when you are older and have had a job, people are constantly asking you about your growth and opportunity within that… like, when did our jobs become our whole life?
And then- the love and kids question! People begin asking you about your dating life. If you want to get married, or when you are going to get married become the Christmas dinner topic of conversation. From there, it’s on to the kid question. Excuse me while I lock myself in a bathroom somewhere and sneak out. Oh- but wait! Then you get married and have a kid and people want to know about the second or third kid. At least now, you can just gulp down a glass of wine and smile.
Look, I get it. We ask each other these questions. I am SO guilty of it myself. I do try to not ask because I have realized that these questions are often filler questions and not intentional questions. Instead of asking a three year old what their favorite snack is these days, it’s more acceptable to wonder what their ambition is like. As if they really get that. But, ok. It’s easier to ask when your BFF is going to get married than to ask the question as to what their current life goals are.
Ok- let’s get real. Truth or dare? If you answered, “Truth,” then pay close attention. Why are these the questions you go to? If you answered, “Dare,” then please do the following: next time you are chatting with someone please ask a less obvious and filler filled question. Go deeper.
The Salty Exchange 