How to tell a person is not polite to ask personal questions to others when there's not enough trust, or when people doesn't know well each other? Why so many people insists in asking others if they have a girlfriend/boyfriend, how much do they earn, when they'll get married, how much do they weigh and many other rude questions? How to explain to them it is rude, without having to offend them.
2007-05-08 06:43:54 · 11 answers · asked by carlosdavid 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
And yes, it's rude to constantly ask other about marital status before knowing well that person.
It should be asked when people get to know each other, not when they first meet.
2007-05-08 07:02:49 · update #1
I mean asking directly after introducing people.
I find it rude.
2007-05-08 07:05:30 · update #2
This is a good question. I've tried a few things myself. The best way I've found for myself is to take their attention away. That is, if a personal question is asked, tell him/her that you've been having a terrible headache and grab your forehead....normally, this is enough to distract him/her from asking any further questions and to forget about the original quesiton.
Then, before they can start asking any further quesitons, you start talking about a tv show or shopping, or something-else to put the discussion on another topic.
2007-05-08 06:52:13 · answer #1 · answered by Traqqer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't care what anyone says either way you say anything, it is going to come out rude or awkward saying it.
I recently had to take a trip away from home and on the airplane i got a 20 question myself; " are you married?" " do you have kids?" " where do you work" " why don't you work?" That one really irked me. If i say, "i don't work", and then they ask "why?", and as they first post says, you then ask them, " why would you ask a stranger such a question?" ; that is just opening them up for MORE conversation. Most strangers will not say " oh i am sorry i didn't mean to.." You would be surprised at how many will figure out a way "around that" and continue on. I think it is about time Americans all grasp the concept that we should be able to say "fuc* off!". And that person would simple say " okay cool". And then go away.
I have found the best thing to do... pretend to sleep if on a plane, always get a window seat, NEVER the middle. If your in public..slowly walk away... or my sister famous one.. " i gotta got i gotta go!".
2007-05-08 07:01:49 · answer #2 · answered by LM 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just let off a little laugh and say something like "things only my mother truly knows". Or something comical along that line. What you find personal others may not, its a preference. I wouldn't even ask a close friend how much they earn, but the rest of the questions I find perfectly normal, those are questions someone would ask if they were TRYING to get to know you. Rude sure is a strong word for some friendly conversational questions. I'd hate to see what you'd say if someone asked you liked spaghetti. Watch out, it's a pasta question!
2007-05-08 06:59:32 · answer #3 · answered by darkeyes_k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gosh, if you think asking if you have a girlfriend/boyfriend is too personal, I sure wouldn't WANT to get to know you better.
"How much do they earn": this is always a rude question unless you are in a relationship or they are your parents.
Try changing the conversation and asking the other person questions.
2007-05-08 07:01:33 · answer #4 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For people coming to the US from other places : You must realize that we do thing differently in this country than in other countries. When you come here you must accept the things we do as part of our culture. You may not agree with these things (I don't either) so just be polite and try to ignore what you consider to be rude and don't answer if you don't want to. The rules of your native country do not apply here. Just be patient. Maybe we will get manners again someday but one person cannot change anything.
2007-05-08 06:56:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't explain it to them without being rude. There's no way around that. However, if you'd rather not answer the questions, just say, "I'm sorry. I'd rather not say." or "I'm sorry, but I think that's rather personal and I'd rather not discuss it." If they press you after that, then you can tell them that you think they're being rude. They'll still get their back up, but you tried to be polite and they wouldn't let you.
2007-05-08 06:50:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good way to get your point across is to answer them with a question. Just simply say "So what do YOU think?" If they even reply with an answer - which means they "didn't get" you can reply to their answer with- "Well that's an interesting answer!" This will give you time enough to change the subject as well.
2007-05-08 06:54:54 · answer #7 · answered by cleesurrey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't answer you because I disagree for the most part. I enjoy learning of people immediately, as I don't know if I will ever get the chance to do it again. Live for the moment.
I also enjoy asking people VERY personal questions, just to see their reaction..its fun, its entertaining, and it opens an otherwise shy person up.
2007-05-08 06:50:32 · answer #8 · answered by tw9165 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just tell them that you don't know them that well to divulge that information. Or, walk away. They might think you are a snob because they are trying to be friendly. I doubt they ask you within minutes of meeting you how much you weigh.
2007-05-08 06:49:31 · answer #9 · answered by coutterhill 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just smile and say "Why would you ask a stranger such a question?"
2007-05-08 06:48:57 · answer #10 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋