Why do people say, "May I ask you a question." when they just did?

Question

Here's Your Sign.
What stupid things have people said to you?

Answer 1

One of my friends once asked "What state is Oklahoma in?" It made me giggle.
But what people really mean when they ask "May I ask you a question?" is "May I ask you a question that will make you uncomfortable and maybe even a little bit angry?"

Answer 2

It's a habit- one of those automated things you say without thinking. They're being polite & not intending for that to be "the question" they really wanted to ask.
One thing that annoys me is when people keep asking "why" after everything- as if they're little kids. Also, when I was in a mall & told someone the restrooms were on the floor above us, they said "Oh, does that mean I have to go upstairs to get there"? I think a lot of times they purposely do that to test your patience level.

Answer 3

I think they ask that as a prerequisite just in case they've caught you at a bad time - they want to make sure you can take the time to answer it.

I said something really silly just recently...one of my co-workers told me that she and her brother are twins - and I asked, "Oh, are you identical?" We both laughed and I realized the instant I said it that it was goofy. Of course they can't be identical!! hehehehe

Answer 4

When people ask me if they can ask me a question, I tell them "you just did".

Answer 5

i have a blonde ask me whats the number to 911

Answer 6

Force of habbit

Answer 7

Because they want to take up more of your time than normal and they seek your permisson to do so.

Does this make me look fat? You either fat or you are not.

Answer 8

My best friend asked, "When's the 4th of July?"

Answer 9

Because its the polite thing to do!

Answer 10

They say it because the heard someone say it one time and now they use it.