How do you deal with nosy, MALICIOUS people?

Question

I'm working part time to get through school for a degree in chem engineering. The people I work with seem to be all of the same caliber. Rude, loudmouthed, foul talking, cigarette sucking, vicious gossips! If I dare to get around any of them, they eye me suspiciously, so I try to avoid them to keep them from asking me rude and invasive questions.Last week I was placed beside one of them for a job assignment half the night. I tried to keep silent and keep my nose to the grindstone.But I could feel her eyeballing me. I dared to look up..and that triggered the 1st question "so, do you have kids?" That's always the question they first ask to get things rolling. Then its "are you married"...then "your not dating anyone?" "how old are you?" And finally the topper "have you ever even had sex?" Enough said.Obviously she's just gathering her gossip material on me.
So how do I deal? If I say anything like "its none of your business" I know I'll be putting myself in the gossip zone for sure.

Answer 1

Just ask, "Why would you ask that?" And then ask about them: people love to talk about themselves. They're probably just trying to make conversation. You can switch the conversation to topics like sports or the weather. You don't have to answer, you can say, "I'm sorry, I don't talk about my personal life at work."

Answer 2

Well, personally, I would answer questions like "do you have kids" and "are you married" as they're not terribly invasive. Afterall, you do work with these people, so they're going to want to know some minor details about you just because they work around you. Even "how old are you" isn't really a terribly rude thing to ask under those circumstances. When they get into anything involving sex or anything so personal that it pushes the edge of the envelope beyond the pale of reasonable curiosity about a co-worker, just smile (slightly) and say, "oh, let's not get into that" or "we'd better not go there". If they push the point, THEN just say "I'd rather not discuss that"...then change the subject.

Answer 3

Ignore them.The reason they are so vicious is because they are jealous.And in the long run you will be a success and they will be more than likely in the same place.I would say "it's none of your business" stick up for yourself and leave work behind when you go home.And on really bad days....just realize this job is just a temporary thing.
-jessica

Answer 4

The more secretive you are, the more you make yourself a "gossip target". Why can't you just make polite conversation? For example: "Do you have kids?"
"Why, no, I don't. Do you?"

Your description of your co-workers is indicative of your negative attitude. They pick up on that, and that's why you aren't well-liked. It is possible to work and be friendly at the same time.

Answer 5

Set them up! Tell them absolutely outrageous things about yourself that are not true...let them spread the rumours and end up looking like fools.
Or you could just say "hey, don't you have a (sex) life of your own to worry about."

Answer 6

Answer their questions with questions. Do not deviate from the plan, if they ask why you are doing it, ask them "why are you asking me questions, we are here to work, not talk." If they are as rude as you say you cannot worry about feelings in this situation. Or you can say, I do not wantto talk.

Answer 7

you sound paranoid wy dont u just ansswer the questions and chill out? maybe youll make a friend..sounds like youur the rude obnoxious person here.

Answer 8

Ignore them.

Answer 9

Ignore them.