Is asking a person's age rude?

Question

I don't know why people ALWAYS ask me "How old are you?". I find this question to be really, really rude and irrelevant. When I was in my teens - I answered. When I was in my 20's I answered. But after 25, I literally stopped counting and just live how I feel. But EVERYONE (even people I have just met for 5 mins) asks me my age. Co-workers, family friends, friends of friends, my friends kids, etc. I find this question equally as rude as asking me my weight or my bra size.
My answer is "forever sweet 16".

But even in general society isn't this a rude question? Or is this as normal question as asking what a person does for a living?

Answer 1

Hmmm I'm not sure. One way you could look at it is that you must be "youthful" enough for people to not think it's going to offend you. So there's a compliment:) Age isn't a sensitive issue for some people, so maybe it doesn't even occur to them that it's a rude question. I get asked that often too and I don't feel uncomfortable asking others who are close to me in age or younger. If it were a much older woman, I wouldn't ask, because it seems disrespectful. Which is silly, we shouldn't be ashamed of our age, at any point in our lives. If you don't feel comfortable answering, that's your right. But at least know people wouldn't ask you if they felt it was a touchy subject. Obviously you don't look "old."

Answer 2

I was always taught that it was rude but only when you ask 'adults'. It seems to be 'ok' for kids to ask each other how old they are or for an adult to ask a teen but I guess it starts getting weird once you are in your 20s. I don't mind when people ask how old I am but I'm afraid to ask a lot of people. There's one girl I know who I am DYING to ask but I feel it would be rude because the reason I want to know is because she looks about 40 but I think she's only in her late 20s.

In general, it is rude since a lot of people have issues with age, weight, etc. and you don't know if it's a touchy subject with them or not. I don't care if someone asks me how much I weigh because I'm happy with my weight right now. When I was a little heavier, it bothered me a bit. Also, people are afraid you will judge them if they say their age. I met a girl that was very mature and we got along great but when I found out she was only 22, I actually felt a little different about her. I suddenly thought she may not 'understand' certain things about life that I do since I'm 7 years older than her. It's entirely unfair on my part but I couldn't help having that thought cross my mind. I sort of wish she never told me her age.

Personally, the 'what do you do for a living' question bothers me the most only because I have HUGE issues with my job and I don't want to talk about it. It makes me feel like a loser so I HATE that question.

Answer 3

Asking on-line isn't impolite, because i imagine you need to know how previous the guy you're talking to is truly in case you in simple terms met them. in case you're asking someone their age in individual, i imagine it will be impolite because some human beings are very self unsleeping and trouble about how they offer the impression of being and many human beings imagine age has plenty to do with their seems. i does no longer be indignant if someone asks me, yet i'm a guy and that i imagine it really is more advantageous of a element with women human beings.

Answer 4

In some cultures, it's rude; in others, it's a perfectly ordinary question. I personally don't mind if people ask me, and I'm 52. If I were worried about it, then I might give an answer like yours - but, everybody is different. If saying that makes you happy, then that's what you should do.

Answer 5

I always heard it was rude to ask women their age. I personally don't care if anyone asks me. I kinda like it when they do. I'm over 25, and I don't see what the big deal is. Gender difference I guess. Women always get offended by it, same as if someone asked their weight.

Answer 6

Yes I agree. If a woman looks anywhere over 25, you shouldn't ask. It used to be as taboo as spitting in front of a woman was. Unfortunately we live in different times when that kind of manners is long since gone. Now men cuss in front of women and children and some women wear things that I have to turn my sons face from in public. Magazines left on the racks with the racks on the cover. I like your response to them.

Answer 7

Depends on the context.
If necessary, like filling a form, swearing an affidavit, etc., it's o.k.
But if unnecessary, it's undoubtedly rude. Particularly if you feel a person doesn't look his/her age, don't ask the person the question at all unless essential.

Answer 8

Yes it's a very rude and unnecessary question unless you're trying to get the senior citizen's discount or if its a medical practitioner or someone selling life insurance!

Just look at them quizzically and say "Why do you need to know?"

Answer 9

People that ask a lady her age have no up-bringing. My mother taught me at a very early age not to ask a person how old they are. Guess parents are not teaching their children this any more.

Answer 10

It's not a polite question, but that never stopped lots of people.

If they ask you your age (jeez, do they really ask you your weight and bra size???) gaze at them steadily and say, "Interesting question. Why do you want to know?" =)