In other words, why is the first or second question after being introduced is "what do you do for a living"? Some of us consider such a question to be very personal, and quite offputting to be asked, especially when saying "none of your business" isn't an option.
Example: I was introduced by phone to my brother's new girlfriend and she went on to ask me this question. I happen to be unemployed at the moment, because I chose to get married and move to my husband's country, where at the moment I'm not allowed to work, but ultimately I shouldn't have to explain that to someone I just met. I prefer to know them better before I do.
After all, what if I was chronically unemployed, a prostitute, on welfare or disability or any other status that a lot of people do condemn with minimal knowledge of the circumstances?
I would like to see if someone can help me come up with a reply that politely tells the asker how inappropriate their question is without offending them.
2006-12-02
13:26:18
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20 answers
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asked by
expatriate59
2
in
Etiquette