How do you deal POLITELY with questions from
1)invasive people and
2)really nice, well meaning people who are interested
2007-04-04 06:16:00 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just be totally honest. "I'm not comfortable talking about that with you” Or, if it begins with a yes/ no question. Say no.
No, is a complete sentence.
You don't have to explain why you are not comfortable talking about it. You don't even have to KNOW why you are uncomfortable talking about it.
You are not responsible for other people emotional reactions. There is nothing offensive about saying no or I'm not comfortable talking about that.
Don’t be vague like suggested above “I’d rather not talk about it now” That only invites them to ask again later. Don’t invite a conversation about it by saying “why do you need to know” if you don’t want to have that conversation with them. Do you CARE why they need to know? I assume, you just want them to stop asking you tons of questions.
You don’t have to be apologetic saying sorry. There is nothing wrong with setting boundaries for yourself. Be firm in your language without being offensive.
It’s better when setting boundaries for yourself that you are not aggressive or insulting when you do so. (Ex “you need to mind your own business”) <---- Makes it about them and their boundaries. It’s not about their boundaries, it’s about yours.
This is a great opportunity for you to learn really firm boundary setting. I'm excited for you =)
2007-04-04 06:29:05 · answer #1 · answered by siddartha360 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they're invasive, nosy people, say "Sorry, but I'm really not interested in discussing these things with you." If they're nice, well-meaning interested people, you should ask yourself WHY you close down instead of just entering into a discussion.
2007-04-04 13:20:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
When they ask a question that you don't want to answer say to them "Why do you need to know", and move the convcersation onward, or say "I'd rather not talk about it now "and leave it at that.
2007-04-04 13:27:07 · answer #3 · answered by Maria b 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In either situation, "I don't really want to talk about that" is acceptable, direct, but not rude.
2007-04-04 13:29:23 · answer #4 · answered by CrazyChick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say look now eh, you need to mind your own business.
2007-04-04 13:23:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋