2006-12-29 06:23:07 · 28 answers · asked by ~∂Їβ~ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I am sorry....but I find it deeply personal!
2006-12-29 06:56:38 · answer #1 · answered by Alletery 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, I don't think there IS any polite way to get out of that situation! The person asking the personal question has completely skipped over the whole polite thing, and so in my book should be prepared for whatever answer they get...
The Answer I give sort of depends upon the question...so here are some of my favorites;
1. "So when are you two finally getting hitched/married?" - I'm sure this is a well meaning question, but frankly, you'll know when and if you get a wedding invitation, right? I like to go one of two ways with this one...
a. "As soon as he gets rid of the wife!"
b. "We're having trouble finding a hall that'll LET us sacrifice a goat...do you have any suggestions?"
....after the shocked laughter, change the subject to something along the lines of the wedding...("Seriously though, finding a hall is so HARD! Where did you guys...")
2. "Oh! How far along are you?" - *SIGH*...A potentially lethal question unless you know for certian that she's preggers...my answer of choice is..."Nope, not pregnant, just fat...thanks for asking though!"...it usually shuts everyone up.
3. "Are you a lesbian/gay?" - This is among one of my favorite questions, just because there are so many ways to answer! LOL this is one of those ones where you can really, really mindf*uck someone...however the simplest and most ambiguous answer is to give the person a sympathetic smile and say "I'm really sorry honey, but you're just not my type." Than walk away.
4. "Do you want fries with that?" - Just because life as a slave to the golden arches isn't horrifying enough..."Did you just call me FAT?!"
If you're at work, don't know the person well enough to joke, or at someone's funeral and cannot really make with the big sarcastic jokes, I like to give the questioner a sort of hard "Why, that's none of your business!" stare, and change the subject, or finish what I was saying. Most people get the hint that this is a topic that is not anything that they need concern themselves with. Sometimes however you get the odd bird who feels the need to ask again (just in case you didn't hear them the first or even second time). For those lovely individuals, I like to stop what I am saying (mid-word if need be) turn to face them completely, and in a firm voice state, "I'm sorry, but I don't see how that's any of your business".
2006-12-29 06:51:04 · answer #2 · answered by eXie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situation and who you're addressing. If it's a close friend or family member you can use a familiar register, be direct and still be polite by saying, "I'm not sharing that with you." Or, a less direct, creative way might be, "Oh, what skeletons might I find in your closet?"
If it's a co-worker or acquaintance you don't know as well, just say you're not comfortable discussing the topic right now.
2006-12-29 06:34:21 · answer #3 · answered by SDTerp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just get all huffy, cross your arms, and give them an evil stare for approximately two minutes before speaking. Maybe they'll get the hint, and you'll probably make them extremely nervous in the process.
Actually, what I do was already suggested: ask why they need to know about it so badly?
If you really want to keep people out of your business, lock your door like I do to keep the neighbor girl away...or as you've told me, a better lock could be the answer if you already keep it locked. Ha ha! :)
Best of luck!
2006-12-29 12:06:04 · answer #4 · answered by aanstalokaniskiodov_nikolai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember a long time ago I read in an Ann Landers column the suggestion to say, "Why would you ask such a personal question?" I've tried it and it works well!
2006-12-29 20:53:23 · answer #5 · answered by Margaret 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are serious ways:
"That's rather personal."
"Please don't ask me about that again, I really really don't like talking about it at all.'
"I'd rather not share with people about that."
Not-so-serious ways:
"Why do you want to know?" (Will usually cut someone short)
"Now, why would you ever want to know something like that?"
And joking ways:
"What, are you writing a book? Leave that part out!"
"Would you prefer to make a list of all the personal questions you have so I can answer them all at once?"
"Oh, good! Are we swapping secrets?"
2006-12-29 06:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by Barry B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say, something like, "Why do you ask" and act surprised that the person ask such a question. Or you can say, " I really do not feel comfortable answering that question."
2006-12-29 06:32:16 · answer #7 · answered by tnbadbunny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's just one of those impolite situations where someone asks something that they shouldn't ask, then I would reply in a friendly and light tone, "If I tell you, I would have to kill you."
2006-12-29 06:55:45 · answer #8 · answered by golden_diva7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually say, "I don't think this concerns you." It's hard to be polite when people are being rude by being nosy.
2006-12-29 06:25:44 · answer #9 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep smiling, and switch the subject. Hopefully they'll get the point.
2006-12-29 06:26:04 · answer #10 · answered by peacfulwar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for your concern, but I think I'll fly solo on this trip.
2006-12-29 06:58:19 · answer #11 · answered by kd s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋