I have been in Seattle for 4 years now, but I am still not used to some questions asked by strangers who happen to know where I live, for example, cab drivers or truck delivery drivers. Often they like to ask what do you do, what do you study. how long have you been here... Because they get to know where I live, I am reluctant to reveal my personal information.
Is it just me? What would you do if you were in my position?
2006-10-04 15:24:39 · 22 answers · asked by mimi 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, those sorts of questions are a polite way of making small talk. It's normal. If you don't want to answer the questions, just give a brief very vague answer (like "I'm in sales"), and then turn the conversation back on them. Ask them questions.
Rule of thumb is that most people love talking about themselves. Everyone has a story to tell. So, if you're uncomfortable talking about yourself, ask about how long they've been at their job, if they have kids, etc. Dig around for what's interesting about *them*, and you'll have a great conversation going in no time that isn't about your personal stuff.
2006-10-04 15:37:42 · answer #1 · answered by locolady98 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not safe to reveal all of that personal information to strangers these days. I would change the subject, they will get the message, or turn the conversation around on them and ask them the same questions. Where do you live, do you have children, are you married, etc. either they will get the message by being made to feel just as uncomfortable or they will be without words wondering what just happened. Either way, who cares. They are strangers, they should not be asking personal questions if they want to share their personal info that is ok with them well ok. I am with you on this one, I would find it a little weird for strangers to be asking so many questions.
2006-10-04 16:43:11 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Most of the time, I get my head bitten off considering that a few morons do not comprehend the query while I make an effort out to make certain this very false impression does not take location. Of path, there also are the a**holes who decide upon to not reply the query with any form of relevance and might as an alternative insult the character asking the query. Why I even hassle with severe questions is a thriller. I'd a lot as an alternative keep on with asking questions within the Polls & Surveys phase, no less than they are able to keep on subject.
2016-08-29 07:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, its not just you, I am the same way often times. I have learned to just be vague, elusive, and sometimes I just lie. It never hurts to be too careful. Besides, I'd rather say something that is not accurate than end up the victim of a stalker, rapist, or murderer. Chances are you'll never see these people again, let alone be confronted about something you've said.
2006-10-04 15:33:40 · answer #4 · answered by micg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have fun with them... especially if you never are going to see them again.
Make up a small town in the middle of nowhere. Say that you are a garbage picker... or even better, tell them you are a narc.
If they ask what you study, tell them psychological problems in strangers.
2006-10-04 15:33:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's something rude they're asking, like how much you paid for something, tell them, "if you forgive me for not telling, I'll forgive you for asking!" (I saw that in Dear Abby once, I thought it was fantastic.) If it's just something you'd rather not answer, be vague, and change the subject. Direct the subject back to the person who asked you - they'd probably rather talk about themselves anyway.
2006-10-04 15:47:00 · answer #6 · answered by Holly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them know that you are not a rude person. But you are a private person and only talk about yourself to family and close friends. Tell them that you don't know them and are uncomfortable sharing your private life with them. Don't be scared speak up. In to days society you never know if you encountered a killer or a crazy person. It's never rude to be safe.
2006-10-04 17:15:05 · answer #7 · answered by purrfectsandcastle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree with the first answer. In all probability they don't even realize that they are asking things that are to personal. Just politely tell them that you'd rather not discuss it.
2006-10-04 15:31:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is that you Jimmy the rat!? You don't want to reveal too much cuz you fear the may figure out who you are and that you entered the program. We are gonna find you Jimmy!
2006-10-04 15:37:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would surely answering their questions nicely.I would ask about the same thing back to them or even ask them anything they know about the neigbourhood around the area.So,no worries.They know a bit about me and i know a bit about them.It's a win-win situation.
2006-10-04 15:48:19 · answer #10 · answered by georgiasnakemaroon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋