Do you think it is rude to ask a person his/ her age ?

Question

Why is it rude ? Why does a woman or a man has problem in revealing his or her age ?

Answer 1

I can't speak for anyone else, but I personally would rather have someone ASK my age than ASSUME it.

Answer 2

Asking online isn't rude, because I think it's important to know how old the person you are talking to is especially if you just met them.

If you are asking someone their age in person, I think it could be rude because some people are very self conscious and worry about how they look and many people think age has a lot to do with their looks. I would not be offended if someone asks me, but I'm a man and I think it's more of a thing with women.

Answer 3

It is considered rude for a man to ask a woman her age, because it is looked at as ungentlemanly, and ladies just don't talk about their age. That is the only instance that I know of when it's considered rude.
I personally don't consider it rude to be asked, and I've known a few very ladylike women who didn't either.
I have always tried to remain a gentleman, but I guess it depends on the person in some cases.

Answer 4

Its generally not rude if you are obviously older than the person in my opinion. I'm not exactly sure why its rude in other circumstances.

I do know a polite and flattering way to ask though....If the person is clearly in their 30's just say "how old are you...26, 27?" Say it with a straight face. Don't go too low or they'll know you're joking. You'll get a chuckle and their real age.

Answer 5

I don't think it's rude, but I don't think it's rude either to decline on answering. I find it a little rude when people I don't know too well ask me for personal information. Pestering somebody for the answer when they don't want to give it, is certainly rude. Though I've never understood the double-standard of why it's rude to ask a woman for her age, but not a man.

Answer 6

Yes, it is rude. Under what circumstances does the age of a person become relevant? This is personal information. It isn't a problem of revealing the age, it is a problem being asked for personal information, period. I was taught that it isn't even polite for you to ask someone's name, let alone their age, weight, birthday, or other personal information.

Answer 7

It is rude because people tend to make judgements about people based on how old they are. People like to be judged and accepted based on who they are, not what they are.

When hiring someone for a job, it's illegal to discriminate based on age, sex, race or religion. Interpersonal interaction isn't the job market, but I think people are somewhat sensitive to this sort of thing in all aspects of life. Writing someone off as too young or too old is somewhat narrow minded and I think that's why people don't like being asked.

Just be sure never to trust anyone over 30.

Answer 8

It depends on the person you are asking. Sometimes it's best to not ask it directly, if you feel the person is a little bit shy about there age.

Instead of asking how old are you or when were you born, you can ask which year did you finish high school/ graduated from university, etc?

Then you can work out roughly their age from that.

Answer 9

I always wondered why people have hang ups about their age also. I think it's a little silly to be offended when someone ask your age. Your age is something you can't change, it's just a fact of life. But to answer your question, I personally don't think it's rude to ask, and I'don't get offended when asked. I think others get offended because they are pretending to be someone they are not (younger usually).

Answer 10

Women are more sensitive than men because they want to look younger. Men, in general, don't worry about it unless they are playing the field. I would look at the person and gage by their attitude whether or not to broach the subject. If you were in jail with them then I wouldn't ever ask period, but if you are in a social situation that is fun and carefree, then most of the time it won't offend. Use your own judgment based on the person's personality and reactions to others around them.

Answer 11

Supposedly it is in the realm of being discourteous. But personally I think it is ok. After all, the person who is soooo concerned about age is a bit shallow for my taste. In this day and age, it should not really matter. However, I would be selective. Not everyone is as liberated as some.