What do you say when someone asks your age and you don't want to share?

Question

I am in my late twenties and I am constantly asked my age by people I barely know, such as coworkers or people at church. I look old for my age, people usually say I look like I am in my thirties. I do not think I am old but I do not think that is is really any of their business. It tends to be women in their forties or fifties who ask me my age, which I think is strange because I would never think of asking their ages upon initially meeting them.

I do not mind friends knowing my age, but it just seems odd and intrusive for strangers to ask. How do I politely decline answering the question?

Answer 1

Well, I think it's utterly rude to ask someone her age, unless it's for a specific reason (taking data, etc.), and you most certainly do not have to answer.

However, one should not be rude, so you could give a polite brush-off by replying "In dog's years?" and letting the question die of its own, or "Twenty-something", or "On a good day I feel 20 years old, but on a Monday morning...."

Hopefully this will deflect the nosey-parkers, or just make them realize they are being intrusive.

Answer 2

"Ahh, who's counting?"
"If I told you I'm afraid I'd have to kill you."
"That's for me to know and for you not to worry about."

Just joke about something like that to get around answering. That should work, because few people will want to seem too pushy to know.

It still beats me though why some people are so sensitive about their age. We all get older, it's normal and nothing to be ashamed of. I know such questions can get tirening though. I personally don't mind people asking about my age, but I'm completely fed up with questions regarding when I'm going to have children.

Answer 3

Try to change the subject or just lie about your age, and dont take it as if they just want to know your age to make you feel bad, they are trying to be friendly and get a conversation going, its not like they are asking you if you had sex last night or not. I remember that before i used to always want to look older, and people would always tell me that i look younger when i was asked for my age, and now that i want to look younger people tell me i look older, its just a part of life, sometimes people guess wrong but you shouldnt really pay attention to this, and besides if they are complete strangers why should you care? its not like they are going to marry you or nothing like that, just ignore them. but im pretty sure they dont mean to be rude or to hurt your feelings

Answer 4

I say, with a look directly into their eyes, "One Hundred and Six". My priest asked me this in front of the whole congregation while giving birthday blessings. She didn't ask any of the ladies their ages, and I thought I'd teach her a lesson for being so rude. haha That is now my stock answer anytime anyone asks.

Side benefit: I don't have to remember how old I really am for more than 40 years. Make a joke of it all and don't let it bother you. People who appear too worried about their age also appear tight assed.

Answer 5

If someone is rude enough to ask you, you should have no compunction about providing a fictitious age: sweet sixteen and never been kissed. If they persist, ask them to go first. People never cease to amaze me.

Answer 6

give an answer that is obviously wrong in a humorous way, and they should get the message. Ex. Last I checked I'm at least 21, or I'm out of my teens.

Answer 7

Smile and politely say, "Why do you want to know?" or "It's not polite to ask a lady her age."

Answer 8

Just say mid twenties - I do and I'm er - a bit older than that ;-)

Answer 9

Old enough to know better but still too young to care ;)

Answer 10

Say you are 20 with some years of experience...