How to explain Greek life to family?
 

Hi all! With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, and as the first person in my family to join a sorority or fraternity (extended family included), I know I will be fielding lots of questions from curious relatives about what exactly a sorority is, what they do, etc. Being a new member, I know the basics, but can't really go into detail. I was wondering if any of you have any useful advice for dealing with these questions?

You don't need to go into detail. Am I correct in assuming your family has immigrated to the US and just never had contact with the concept of Greek life before?

Just give them the basics and talk about your philanthropy.

I was the first to go Greek in my family and no one ever asked me about it, other than how things were going in school. :)

If that's the case, this thread might be helpful: How do you explain a sorority to someone from another country?

My family has not immigrated to the U.S. (except for about 100 years ago), but we're from the Northeast and Greek life isn't as big up there, so they still haven't had much contact with Greek life before. I know they know the stereotypes in movies aren't true, but that's still what they basically think of, and since I'm not a big partier (as the movies portray everyone in greek life to be), my family was surprised that I decided to rush.

Mine was too (I'm from the Northeast as well). Honestly, I can't remember anyone in my extended family ever giving a shit. They were too busy asking when I was going to get married and pop out babies, looking at the babies my cousins popped out, etc etc. Just say "it's a lot more laid back at my school than what you see on TV or movies" and let it go at that.

My whole family was non-Greek, and actually somewhat anti-Greek, especially my sister. They got over it and/or didn't care that much. Focus on philanthropy and sisterhood--the great friends you've made that you never would've met otherwise--and don't go overboard. I wouldn't stress about it.