So the other day, while out to lunch with David, I decided I was going to come up with a list of the top 10 questions that I am sick of answering. These are questions that I am asked a lot, mostly by complete strangers. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind answering people's questions but some of them are particularly annoying and/or offensive. I think I should just print out a pamphlet with these so whenever I encounter any of them I can just hand them to the inquirer.
Anyway, here they are. Enjoy!
1. Why don't you speak Spanish? Aren't you Hispanic? Are you ashamed?
I've gotten this question asked a lot, especially since I moved to Miami. It's number one on my list because I don't think that I should have to justify whether or not I speak Spanish or be looked upon as some kind of freak of nature because I don't. Not every single Hispanic speaks Spanish (Have they not ever watched the movie Selena? She didn't always speak Spanish) and frankly I think it's rude to just assume that I should. It seems to me that Hispanics are the only minorities that are expected to speak Spanish just because of their ethnic background. I never see anyone give an Italian (for example) a hard time because they don't speak Italian. If you're born and raised in the US, is it really that unthinkable to only speak English? Isn't it still the official language? My question to people in Miami who live here and only speak Spanish is why don't you speak English? (I could go on and on about this one but I'll end it here)
2. What are you?
Many, many times, I'll come across a complete stranger who will look at me with a baffled look on their face and ask me, "what are you?" What they mean is that they are confused as to what my ethnic background is so they'll ask me "what I am." How ridiculous and insulting is that? Like it matters and like I should have to answer that. What I want to say to them is "freak, I don't even know you and what's it to you?" Who cares "what I am" and how is that relevant to anything? I don't mind answering that question if it's someone I just met that I have some kind of relationship with but if you're a complete stranger, don't ask me that question or if you do rephrase it so that it sounds more intellectual.
3. Why don't you smile more?
People have been asking me that question for years! I remember this one time when I was in H.S., I was walking to school and a complete stranger said "you should smile more" as he passed me by. Wtf? I never understood that. What am supposed to do? Walk around with a huge grin on my face for no reason? Who does that?
4. Why don't you work for a newspaper? (upon finding out that I have a BA in Journalism)
So I majored in Journalism and never worked in that field. A lot of people get degrees in certain majors and then end up doing something completely different. Besides, things don't always work out perfectly and one is always entitled to change one's mind about things, including careers.
5. Why don't you want to have/like kids?
Most people (especially women) think I am the biggest weirdo because I don't care much for kids and don't ever want to have any of my own. I just don't need that to feel complete. I'm more of an animal person. Besides, I think I'm being more responsible by realizing that this is not a road I ever want to take rather than just giving in to the norm and then turning out to be a bad parent (not that I think I'd make a bad parent, being one would just make me miserable). Too many people become parents for all the wrong reasons and I refuse to be one of them.
6. Why aren't you married/when are you getting married?
First of all, who cares? Second of all, getting married has never been a priority for me (I'm not even sure how I feel about the whole idea). I don't need to be anyone's wife to feel fulfilled. David and I have been together for many years and getting hitched is not going to make things any better. We'd still be the same people so why rush into anything? If we go ahead and do so it'll be whenever we feel is right.
7. Why are you still renting? Why haven't you bought a house?
Buying a home is a huge decision/commitment. I feel you should be 100% sure you want to live somewhere before you make such a huge investment. Besides, it's easier said than done. Buying property is something I definitely want to do but I'll do it when I feel it's right.
8. Why do you always wear black?
It's my favorite color, ok? I've worn mostly black since my metalhead days in H.S. and I just like it. I guess it's the goth in me. ;)
9. Why don't you cook more?
I don't enjoy the process. I love eating but do not enjoy actually making meals. Too time consuming, tedious, domestic, i.e. unlike me.
10. Why did you go to school in Arizona?
Why not? It's a pretty cool state (just not literally although they have more seasons than we do here in FL). It was just a place I wanted to check out.
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Your questions and answers made me laugh. You are so right about the Spanish one. No one ever asks someone of German decent why they don't speak German. I wish I spoke Spanish. But I don't.
I like kids. But I don't want to have any. And that really throws people off. Somehow people think it is their business to tell you you do want kids. Esp. women don't understand why another woman wouldn't want kids.
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