Perfect strangers ask me when I am planning a child, how often I visit my parents and other things I do not want to talk about. When I refuse to answer, they are offended and want to know why. I would appreciate any humorous or effective answers to change the subject to, for example, my hobbies.
2006-12-27 00:06:00 · 18 answers · asked by Happy Feet 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You have a right to your privacy so if you dont want to answer then don't. You could be honest and just say that you do not feel comfortable discussing that subject. Or for a poliet answer you could say something like "wow you are a curious one" in a jokeing way with a laugh or "Im really enjoying my freedom now so the idea of having a child really hasnt crossed my mind" or to the visiting the parents you could say "when I can". Hope this helps.
2006-12-27 00:15:20 · answer #1 · answered by crystalbear25 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Evasive Answers
2016-11-02 22:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a "perfect stranger" asks you something that personal, you do not owe them an answer. Their asking is rude. For anyone (even a close acquaintance) to continue prying is just plain oafish. Do not let them make you feel bad for not allowing them to invade your privacy. You're entitled to your privacy.
There are some really good suggestions here. The best lines are the ones that turn it back onto the asker. However, even with the best ones, do not expect them to "get it" if they are so clueless that they are acting this way in the first place.
Some of the best comebacks:
"Wow, that's a personal question!"
"That's between me and my family."
"Why would you ask that?"
Good luck.
PS-- Since you don't have a baby yet, what kind of birth control are you using? KIDDING! ;)
2006-12-27 03:46:23 · answer #3 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are plenty of ways to answer questions like that. The most simple one is to answer with a question and then turn the conversation back to the other person. For example:
1. When are you planning on having a child?
Why, do you now a lot about children? What age do you think is a good age for someone to have children? Why do you think that?
2. How often do you visit your parents?
How often do you think I should visit them? How often do you visit your parents? Do you think that parents want their children to visit them more often or just call and let them know how they are doing?
2006-12-27 00:20:27 · answer #4 · answered by Martin S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My standard response to questions like that is to make up something so horrific that they'll never ask the question again (so long as they aren't someone I have to deal with regularly). Say it sadly, look off into the distance, and hopefully shame will take care of the rest. It's more suited to nosy people at parties and telemarketers, but hopefully you can spare their next potential victims, who might be quite a bit more sensitive about the topic than you are, some pain. If you're funny about it, people will assume that it's "okay."
if the Q about kids say:
-When they come with a guarantee
-After we stop practicing
-Why, are you selling some?
-Been saving up to buy a dozen.
-As soon as I get a van with no windows
-Why, is there a shortage
-When you offer to come over every day to change the diapers
and about sex
-'I'm sorry, but if I told you,.... I'd have to kill you. WITH A SMILE
-We're trying tonight if you MUST know
2006-12-27 01:59:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if you're a female or male, but when they ask about a child, ask if they're offering to carry your baby to term for you or if they're a sperm donor looking for some business. Regarding your parents, say often enough that they don't forget what you look like. For the other things you think are none of their business, ask 'if you're playing 20 questions and they tell them you quit the game'. To change the subject, you could say 'that's enough about me, now how 'bout you ... is your brother still in prison?' ... you pick the subject.
2006-12-27 00:20:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One thing people like more than satisfying their own curiosity is talking about themselves.
When someone asks you a question they usually have the answer as it applies to themselves. If you don't feel like answering, then turn the question around and ask it right back to them. That's the best way to change the topic - from you to them!
Or, you can always say, "Thanks for asking. I appreciate your interest."
Or, "Why? What have you heard?"
Or, "You'll be the first to know."
You're right about keeping a sense of humour about it.
2006-12-27 01:16:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
OMG!!! the same thing happens to me..I already have one beautiful daughter and i get questions like "why dont you have another one?", or "is something wrong with you?". If you figure out how to answer firmly but politely, do let me know.
2006-12-27 04:34:26 · answer #8 · answered by Luv Peace 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the words of the very charming Ms. Manners.
"How kind of you to ask." Followed by a quick change of subject.
2006-12-27 04:20:51 · answer #9 · answered by ajtheactress 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"that's a little personal don't you think?"
"i'm more interested in hearing about you..."
"that's a topic for another day"
"that's a rude question"
....you say you refuse to answer and they get offended and push further to know why......let them get offended!!....you say these are strangers anyways!!....they certainly aren't concerned with respecting your boundaries, why would you care about offending them???
2006-12-27 03:00:45 · answer #10 · answered by SNAP! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋