You probably already have some Christmas parties planned this month. In fact, you might have RSVP’d to more parties than you’d want to attend. And unfortunately, the yuletide season doesn’t guarantee that each of these get-togethers will be full of love and cheer. Especially during family reunions, some of our most beloved people really have a way to keep us grounded. So, have you heard these lines before?
Also read: Things We Wish Filipino Travellers Would Stop Saying to Other Travellers
1. “Ang itim mo na! Dapat nagsa-sunblock ka.”
I can’t help it. The waves are calling and I must go!
2. “May boyfriend ka na ba? Siya siguro lagi kumukuha ng pictures mo.”
Marunong lang po akong gumamit ng timer.
3. “Nagkita ba kayo ni [insert relative who lives there]?”
Hindi ko po nahanap yung boyfriend ng pinsan ng kapitbahay ng asawa ni tito sa Tokyo. Sa Osaka po ako pumunta.
4. “Bakit ba gustong-gusto mo roon? Makikita mo rin yan sa Pilipinas.”
Try niyo rin po minsan.
5. “Mas madalas ka pa mag-travel kaysa bumisita rito sa amin.”
Sama na lang po kayo sa akin next time.
6. “Nasan na pasalubong ko?”
Nasan po muna aginaldo ko?
7. “Wag ka na mag-travel, mag-ipon ka na lang.”
‘Di pwede both?
8. “Sigurado maraming nanliligaw sa’yo na foreigner!”
‘La, eh.
9. “Ngayon lang ‘yan habang bata ka pa. Hindi mo na magagawa ‘yan kapag may pamilya ka na.”
Watch me!
10. “Siguro hindi ka na mag-aasawa, kasi lagi kang umaalis eh.”
Travel muna bago love life!
11. “Dapat lagi kang may kasama mag-travel. Babae ka pa naman.”
I’m a strong independent woman!
12. “Mag-OFW ka na kaya? Tutal lagi ka nang nasa abroad.”
Hmmm…
13. “Diba na-experience mo na ang winter? Edi sanay ka na sa lamig?”
Two days lang ‘yun, sanay agad?
14. “Siguro ayaw mo na sa Chowking kasi nakapag-China ka na.”
Isa nga pong Chowking lauriat!
15. “Gusto ko rin mag-travel. Buti ka pa, wala masyadong responsibilidad.”
Traveller po ako, hindi tambay.
Also read: Christmas Songs that Will Make You Miss the Philippines
While there’s no denying that some comments our relatives make towards us can be insensitive and hurtful, most of them actually just want to be a part of our lives. Instead of taking their comments personally, let’s just initiate conversations with them. Besides, there’s almost nothing more interesting than travel stories!
