People who know you that ask too many personal questions, what do you say without sounding rude yourself?
2007-01-10 05:35:23 · 38 answers · asked by daff73 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
This is a common experience that some people take for granted. People who ask very personal questions are generally interested in you, but more, interested in knowing details that will shock other people when they spread it around. Gossip is our worst enemy and it could break friendships, business relationships and more.
The best defense against this lack of etiquette is to look them squarely in the eye and reply, "I'm not AT ALL comfortable discussing that with anyone." If you say it in a group setting, they won't take offense, but might be just embarrassed enough to back off and grow up. Good job!
Older adults especially, feel unrestricted in their speech and may ask very personal questions. Don't entertain them out of respect for their age! Respect them yes, but you don't have to oblige with any intimate or personal details that make you uncomfortable. If they get defensive and agree to tell you their details, casually decline and say, "NO, thanks, I don't want to know your personal business. I just am not going to share MY personal business with anyone."
This is a stand of assertiveness and respect that cannot hurt anyone. If they get angry, it is only because someone finally caught them and busted them on rudeness and lack of etiquette.
Hold your head high and live proud!
2007-01-10 05:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some responses:
1. Why do you want to know?
2. Why are you asking such a personal question?
3. Why do you need to know?
4. I would rather not talk about this with you.
5. I am not prepared to answer your questions at this point in time.
If the questions persist, then you can pull out the "big guns" and say:
1.This is really none of your business (or concern), please stay out of this.
2. Sorry, but I am not talking about this with you.
3. Go away, now.
2007-01-10 07:58:05 · answer #2 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget about sounding rude. Just tell them that it's none of their business. Or start asking them a bunch of really REALLY personal questions - give them a taste of their own medicine. of course, this would only work if they didn't want to answer those questions.
2007-01-10 08:27:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually change the subject real abrupt like and ask them a stupid question out of curiosity, kind of like. Hey we have a light that works only like during the day but not at night. Do you have any clue why it would be doing that? And by the time the conversation is over I have thought of something else to talk about to keep them steered away from my personal life.
2007-01-10 05:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by JAMI E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all if they are asking a way too personal question than it should not be you who is worried about sounding rude in response. But if you must be polite just nicely tell them that you do not feel comfortable answering that question. Or just say im sorry thats private. My favorite one though would be to say I would tell you but then I'd have to kill you. this way your being polite and funny.
2007-01-10 05:40:50 · answer #5 · answered by VanillaDiva 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When people ask me ?'s I'm not comfortable with, I give a very vague answer, people usually get the hint. I am very young and have an 8 yr old son, so people always say wow you look way to young to have an 8 yr old!...how old were you, although harmless, it's none of thier business...so I resond with" young enough to have the energy to keep up with him", or something along those lines ya know?
2007-01-10 05:40:56 · answer #6 · answered by new me 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"I am sorry but its personal to me and I would rather not discuss it" If they push it "I am sorry its just personal" and I say it in a hotter tone. Usually by then they get a little irritated at you but I look at this way if my first response of being uncomfortable and not wanting to answer wasn't good enough I have deserved the right to say it a little cooler the following time.
Or you can just simply say "To Personal" and don't say another word and if they keep asking just smile and shake your head no.
2007-01-10 05:43:13 · answer #7 · answered by Issym 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am flattered you are intrested in knowing me, but really, all these questions make me feel uncomfortable. Besides, I would like to hear about YOU too. How was your day (or whatever for the last sentence
2007-01-10 05:59:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well since they are being rude by asking...Just tell them, I feel uncomfortable with all these questions. I really don't want to share and I hope you understand.
2007-01-10 05:39:38 · answer #9 · answered by GirlNextDoor 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have often used this
I am not comfortable talking about it.
See, done without the use of "talking WITH YOU about it" will not sound rude.
2007-01-10 05:51:57 · answer #10 · answered by Rayne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋