is it rude to ask them?
2006-08-11 11:57:38 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
No it's not rude at all. It's a bit rude on their part to just start conversating with a stranger although they probably aren't trying to be rude.
2006-08-11 12:03:01 · answer #1 · answered by Nico 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's happened to me before. I just chatted about nothing of importance and didn't answer any personal questions, until either I placed them, or I got up the nerve to say something like "I'm really sorry, but I'm having a hard time coming up with your name. Could you tell me again?"
As they tell you their name, look them in the eye, try to find something about their face memorable, repeat their name aloud...maybe do some sort of association in your head like "oh yeah, that's the name of my sister's friend too"... and thank them.
Then try not to forget them again. Asking politely once is understandable, but twice is pushing it.
2006-08-11 19:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by rckstrjen2005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope It's not rude to ask who they are if you do it right.
" Excuse me, but I don't remember where I know you from."
if the topic persists.. just tell them that you've been busy lately..
Don't worry, it's not rude.. what's rude is to sit through an entire conversation.. and have that person think you remember who they are.
2006-08-11 19:36:24 · answer #3 · answered by Imani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nah, it's not rude. I usually go along with the conversation for a few short moments before interrupting them and asking them "Do I know you?" or "Have we met?" I do it with a smile and whatever the answer is, there's really no embarrassment.
2006-08-11 19:04:08 · answer #4 · answered by curious 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It happens to me all the time. I will eventually ask them, "Do I know you?" Sometimes, they just wanted to talk to me...and that is okay...but I hate spending my time trying to find my clues. I am probably more straight forward than many people are accustomed to...but I feel there is nothing wrong in asking...it saves a lot of time. Sometimes, they know me from my work...and I often tell them, "I deal with hundreds of people a day...and there is only one of me...so thank you, and I hope you understand."
2006-08-11 19:06:34 · answer #5 · answered by riverhawthorne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't think that it's rude . . I would rather know who I'm talking to, than to stand there and carry on a long, drawn-out conversation and then have no idea who I was talking to.
2006-08-11 19:05:34 · answer #6 · answered by ♥LoisLane♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. Just say, 'I'm sorry, I don't recognize you. who are you again?' If they get offended, oh-well. No sweat off your back. It's impossible for someone to remember each and every person they have ever met. Everyone is bound to forget someone.
2006-08-14 13:48:35 · answer #7 · answered by Kevin J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
better to ask them and figure out who they are than to keep wondering who they are. It's not rude to admit that you are human and can't remember everything.
2006-08-12 23:27:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be rude to say "Who are you?!" You could say something like "I'm sorry but I need to have my memory refreshed about where/how we met." Something like that would be better on the both of you.
2006-08-11 19:07:32 · answer #9 · answered by Lynn N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are annoying, or asking you personal questions, then I try to end the conversation, and walk away. Some people are just plain friendly, and have some interesting conversation! It just depends on the person!!!
2006-08-11 19:15:11 · answer #10 · answered by autumn wolf 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋