what do you say to nosy coworkers that ask personal questions?

Answer 1

I prefer you don't ask me such questions, please.

Answer 2

Say "Why do you ask?" This will differentiate between "total snoops", "well meaning inquiries", and nice folks who simply forgot their manners for a moment.

The nice folks will then change the subject or otherwise withdraw the question, and you both forget it.

The "well meaning" folks will tell you about their sister was in a similar situation and they thought it might help if blah, blah, blah. You thank them and politely request that they do not concern themselves in the matter. You repeat this request in the same exact polite words over and over, as often as necessary. (Yes, this could go on forever, but manners is never-ending.)

Those who have the nerve to give answers along the lines of "Because I'm dying to know" can be told "This is a personal matter and I don't care to discuss it." The same "over and over" rule goes into effect, with one important difference. From the forth repetition on, you add "And please don't bring this up again."

Answer 3

When they ask a personal question, give em the answer: "Nunya"
When they ask "What?" clarify that Nunya is short for "nun ya business." Or, to be more diplomatic, just let yourself look uncomfortable, and explain that theirs was too personal a question.
It may be that the person has a mistaken impression of how personal you/their working relationship is. Of course, they may be trying to get your attention and initiate a more close/personal relationship away from work......... (A BAD idea in my opinion, except as plutonic Freindship)

Answer 4

I try not to get to the point of saying "None of your business," however politely, because I have to work with this person.

So I usually give short, vague, noncommittal answers until people get the point that I don't really want to talk about it. And by "short," I have gotten down to one-word answers like yes and no. That usually does it. :)

Answer 5

Just respond in a way that makes them clear that you don't want to talk about it. If they don't get it then, be blunt! Just say, "I really don't feel like talking about that!" If they don't get it after that then beat their ***. Just kidding. Hopefully they will get it the first time. If it's a sexual harassment type deal then you better let it be known that you do NOT find that acceptable behavior!
Good luck!

Answer 6

The best answer is to answer them with a question, preferably about themselves. Keep that up and eventually they will get the point... if they don't they will at least get very annoyed. Especially if you smile while you're doing it...

Answer 7

I was told this to try this when I was getting married and people were asking my questions like when are you having children and so on. I was told to reply "why do you want to know?" That makes them think about it. If they give you and answer to why they want to know just say I will think about it and get back to you.

Answer 8

You don't want to offend people and cause discomfort in the office, just say, "I'm a really private person and don't like to discuss that at work, thank you"

Answer 9

I tell them to mind their own business,we have a couple of those that I work with.So we don't say anything personal around them if something is said then we try to say it when they leave the area.

Answer 10

Respond with the most sick and twisted thing you can think of, don't let up. Every time you see that person bring up something worse than the last time.

Answer 11

I answer them, in great and explicit detail, with a smile on my face, until I'm certain they're so embarrassed they won't dare to ask again. It's a good lesson for them.