How was your weekend?

Your colleague asked how your weekend went. It was fine, you said. And this wasn't the first time he asked that question.

You tried to sound convincing, as you rather not reveal the real score. You were still living with your folks (and you haven't saved enough for your own place). You were anxious about the upcoming week. (A bit.) And you didn't have any plans for the next weekend. You don't want to be looked at as incompetent, yet you don't want to be one of those people who don't have a life. You would hate it if your colleagues pitied you. Alas, your weekend could define you.

If you've been working for years, even a year or two, then you would learn to value weekends. You'll even look forward to them. No need to be ashamed about it, as you're not the only one. Some will consider loafing as guilty pleasure, while others will see it as a sign of reaching old age. But we're veering off the subject. You imagined the other responses to the question, which would prompt your colleagues to appraise you. Unless you're active in social media, be prepared to be judged. Ignore the comments if you want. Look at the bright side, though. You can learn a few things. Here are some possible answers:

Nothing special. You don't want to know. It can mean two things. You're concealing something, and you're being defensive about it. You may even deny about it, but think again. What is there to hide? If you happen to live with your mother, then tell them about your petty arguments. (It will be a hint that you're looking for a place of your own.) It it's the pressure at the workplace, then don't think too much about it. (Be an optimist.) If it's an uneventful weekend, then there's nothing wrong about it. A long sleep might make you more than ready for the next working week.

You met your friends. It will be good if you did arrange a meeting with your pals, but something might be wrong if you're asked for details. It may have turned out that you chatted with them, even commented on the photo(s) they posted on Facebook. (And your colleagues weren't online during the weekend.) You haven't seen your friends for some time because you're a workaholic. You don't want to admit it to your colleagues, as it might give them a wrong impression of you. Nothing wrong if you tell the truth without sounding bitter (or defensive) about it. It's your life. You'll get along in the workplace.

You watched a movie. You're free of responsibility, which can be a good thing. (You're young, so nothing to be guilty about it.) You have interests, which would pique your colleagues' curiosity. (They will find you interesting, and you might be flattered.) You may have an addictive habit, which you don't want them to know. And you should.

What if you had a holiday? Your colleagues will be green with envy, and you have photos (posted on Facebook and Instagram) to prove it. Nothing like being the center of attraction.