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What is it about the holidays that trigger uncomfortable or prodding family questions?

If you had a dollar for every time some asked something that created awkward tension during the holidays, how much money would you have? For some reason, it always feels like this is the time for people to ask the most embarrassing questions in the word. But, what if it wasn't done on purpose? Dr. Michele says, "While many love holidays, others dread them. Those who have close family relationships approach the season with ease."

Still, she acknowledges how that's not always the case for everyone. "People with strained family relationships find holidays unbearable. The closeness can encourage prodding that feels invasive. Sometimes, people simply have a need to know the ins and outs of your life."

However, you don't have to feed anyone's curiosity if you don't want to!

How can I politely say that a question is bothering me?

Your first reaction to certain questions may be shock and embarrassment followed by irritation or anger. Those are normal responses when something catches us off guard. While our emotions are justified, the way we want to respond may not be. McKleroy says, "First, it’s crucial to recognize your own needs or values that are stirred up by the question. If your aunt asks you, 'Are you still at that job, or did you finally find a better one,' this question could likely bring up a need for acknowledgement — maybe you want your aunt to see the value in your work."

She further explains, "It could also point to your need for autonomy and freedom to make career choices on your own terms without feeling pressured. You can respond by saying, 'Yep, I'm still at that job, and I'm learning a lot and enjoying being there right now,'" which places the ball in your court without you cursing her name.

This is the time to be curious if you're not sure what your needs are. Like McKleroy says, they're a good indicator of why certain questions bother you. Truthfully, she believes you look at invasive questions as a good thing. "Navigating personal questions from family, especially the kind that feel intrusive, is a chance to courageously practice protecting your peace and setting empowered boundaries," McKleroy says.

Still, you likely need to set boundaries with your family. "Another way you can navigate prodding questions is by expressing your need for privacy in a kind way. If your grandfather asks you about your dating life, you can say, 'I really appreciate your interest, and right now, I’m keeping that part of my life private. I’ll happily share more when I’m ready,'" she suggests. It's a great way for you to "honor his care while respecting your own boundaries," according to her.

What if I'm afraid to set boundaries with my family?

Setting boundaries with anyone isn't always easy, especially if you're a people pleaser or empath. But Dr. Leno says, "It is best to set boundaries up front, understanding that family may or may not respect them." Echoing McKleroy's thoughts about how to redirect certain questions, she says you can tell someone "now is not the time to talk about it."

If you're still afraid of pushback for setting a boundary, she encourages you to "talk to the host or another family member to help you out." Based on her experience, she feels "there is usually someone willing to redirect subjects as needed." If it helps, I've been known to ask my mom or sister an unrelated question to what I'm being asked to signal that I'm feeling anxious about something I've been asked.

Your apprehension about setting boundaries isn't in vain though. It's a real feeling based on a number of things. Dr. Leno says, "Establishing boundaries can be difficult for someone hoping to maintain peace or avoid conflict. They fear appearing hostile. However, your well-being comes first."

What can I do if my family chooses to ignore my boundaries?

Like Dr. Leno said, everyone isn't going to honor your boundaries based on things that have nothing to do with you. It's hard not to take things personal, but it's worth learning how not to internalize their lack of respect. "There are times when your family will disregard your boundaries, so brace yourself. Prepare to protect your mental space, and stand your ground," informs Dr. Leno.

Also, she says that "even if your family repeatedly oversteps, your ability to stick to your boundaries is more important than their willingness to respect them." Should you feel depleted trying to mentally and emotionally guard yourself, she wants you to "take a break by exiting the room or house or venue altogether."

I personally love doing the later if I'm unable to stay grounded when fielding prodding questions and think I'm about to say the wrong thing. Taking a break usually gives me time to calm down and find something else to focus on.

If you still need help learning how to deal with your family's invasive questions, there are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) tools you can rely on. They've been a huge life saver for me which is why I'm always sprinkling them throughout different family and self-care articles. For anyone who's unfamiliar with what CBT is, Dr. Leno says it "focuses on self-management" because "people learn to regulate their emotions by managing their thoughts."

Realistically, the holidays shouldn't cause you to feel stressed out. "If you're feeling emotionally drained leading up to the holidays, your thinking may be the culprit. Your worst-case-scenario think will cause an anxiety build-up that feels unmanageable," warns Dr. Leno.

Instead, she wants to try developing "some self-care tools" like:

• "Only sharing what makes you comfortable"
• "Refusing to answer certain questions because the person asking will get over it"
• Managing your anxiety with deep breathing"
• Avoiding the all-or-nothing mindset. It is perfectly fine to limit your participation in the festivities. Give yourself permission to leave early if necessary."

How many kids does Margot Robbie have?

Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley have one child, a son! A source confirmed to People that the couple had welcomed their baby boy on November 2.

People also confirmed Margot Robbie is expecting a baby in July, the same day images of the actress showing off her growing baby bump went viral on X (formerly Twitter). In the images, Margot's standing with Tom on a dock, wearing black trousers, a black blazer, and a white tee rolled up to rest above her stomach. Leave it to Margot Robbie to make chic pregnancy wear look effortless!

Margot Robbie later attended the L.A. premiere of My Old Ass — produced by Robbie and starring Aubrey Plaza — on September 9, 2024. The ever-elegant star rocked a muted, off-the-shoulder bodycon dress (hello, fall style inspo!) and some adorable strappy heels! Her simple hair, makeup, and jewelry allowed her most major accessory to shine here — her bump! This is the first time we've really seen Robbie since her Wimbledon appearance, and it's no surprise that her look absolutely did not disappoint.

Who is Margot Robbie's husband Tom Ackerley?

Margot Robbie married Tom Ackerley in 2016 after they met on the set of Suite Française in 2013. Tom is an actor (he appeared as an extra on the first three Harry Potter movies), and a film producer. The two also co-founded their production company LuckyChap Entertainment in 2014 and have worked on movies like I, Tonya,Promising Young Woman,Maid, and Saltburn.

What have Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie said about their relationship?

Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley love spending time together, and Tom told The Sunday Times they spend "24 hours a day together."

"It’s seamless," he continues. "We don’t have a toggle on, toggle off. It’s all become one thing.”

“Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow," Margot told Porter in 2018. "I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better."

Margot has also been vocal about how frustrating it is to constantly be asked about children, telling Radio Times in 2019 that, "I'm so angry that there's this social contract," she says. "You're married, now have a baby. Don't presume. I'll do what I'm going to do."

What is Margot Robbie's baby name?

Margot and Tom haven't officially shared their baby's name yet, but we're all ears should they choose to do so.

How old is Margot Robbie?

Margot Robbie just celebrated her 34th birthday on July 2. Tom Ackerley turned 34 on June 13, so there's only a one-month age gap between this celeb couple.

Will there be a Bridget Jones 4?

Yes, Bridget Jones 4 is on its way! Deadline confirmed that the new movie, officially titled Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, is on its way. The film will follow Bridget in her early 50s as she juggles motherhood with all the other areas of her life. We don't know much else quite yet, but if it's anything like the rest of the series, Bridget Jones 4 is sure to have plenty of heart and humor.

Hugh Grant recently told Extra he thinks this installment is "the best" yet. "It's the one with the most heart," he says. "It's very moving, but also very funny." But fair warning! He also told BBC the movie is "very, very sad."

When is Bridget Jones 4 coming out?

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is scheduled to premiere on February 14, 2025. Romantic comedies are always the perfect choice for a Valentine's Day movie night, whether you're with your partner or celebrating with all your Galentines! Even though we have quite a way to go before we can watch the new movie, you can binge all three of the other Bridget Jones movies on Max now!

Is Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones 4?

There's no word on whether Colin Firth's Mark Darcy will return for Bridget Jones 4, but never say never! We do know that Renée Zellweger will be back as Bridget Jones, and that we'll also see Hugh Grant return as Daniel Cleaver and Emma Thompson as Dr. Rawling. The movie also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and The White Lotus & One Day star Leo Woodall.

Is there a fourth Bridget Jones book?

Yes, there's a fourth Bridget Jones book, but it might surprise you to know the order of the titles is different than the order of the movies! Helen Fielding published the Bridget Jones's Diary column in the British newspaper The Independent, then published a novel version in 1996. The first book was followed by The Edge of Reason in 1999, Mad About the Boy in 2013, and Bridget Jones's Baby: The Diaries in 2016.

The film series is made up of Bridget Jones's Diary in 2001, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason in 2004, Bridget Jones's Baby in 2016, and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy in 2025.

Who was the father of Bridget Jones baby?

At the end of the Bridget Jones's Babymovie, we learn that Mark Darcy is the father of Bridget Jones's baby, and the couple ends up getting married!

Watch The Official Trailer For 'Mad About The Boy'

It looks like Bridget Jones is getting a crash course lesson in giving herself permission to live after becoming a widowed single mother!