How do I be polite to someone who asks too many annoying questions?

Question

I have a co-worker who just asks too many questions. I get irritated very easily and I am finding it more and more difficult to be nice when I answer. The most annoying aspect is that he asks them back to back and they are always either rhetorical or only require a yes or no answer and I feel like I am being interrogated. When I try to be nice and give more of a dialog, he doesn’t really stick around to listen or acts like I am holding him up (which sometimes works in my favor b/c then he will leave me alone-temporarily). I feel like I should feel that I'm overacting, but I honestly don’t think I am. Everytime he walks by now, I kinda tense up, b/c I am expecting another irritating question and I 'm not sure how I will react. It’s at the point where I don’t even open my mouth anymore-I just nod or shake my head. I think maybe he thinks he is annoying me, when it is just the questions he asks. How can I nicely tell him? I laughed and told him once but dont think he got the hint

Answer 1

The next time he asks you a question that you don't want to answer, simply say "Why do you want to know that?" in a soft, non-threatening way. Chances are he won't be able to answer you, and he will think twice about asking you any more questions.

I have used this tactic when someone asks me something too personal or I know they are looking for gossip. It works every time - no one wants to admit that they are being nosey. And sometimes, they don't even realize how offensive and intruding their questions are - which is what I think this guy's problem is.

Answer 2

Asking questions is this persons way of controlling the conversation. Since he's asking all of the questions, you can only discuss what he wants to discuss. When you try to take the conversation to another level (by giving more of a dialog), he doesn't stick around. Get it? You're dealing with a control freak.

He got your hint, but ignored it. You can either come right out and say something like: "You know, I don't mind having a conversation with you; but I don't want to answer a bunch of questions," or you can simply change the subject whenever he asks you a question. Either approach will work, but I would use the first one and be done with it. If he later comes back with something like: "I know you don't want to answer any questions, but can I just ask you this?" Your response should be: if it's not work related, "NO."

Answer 3

Are they personal questions or are they questions related to work?

I work with a guy like that except he doesn't ask questions, he just talks my ears off about stupid stuff like shrits he has in his closet or what he got in the mail. I have spoke with him, and then eventually I ignored him so I can stay focused on projects i'm working on and he will keep calling my name until I look in his direction. I had to sit him down and tell him that I can't talk much because I'm too busy. He cut it down tremendously.

For your situation, you can tell him that even though you would really like to help him out, that sometimes you get really busy and the questions are distracting you and you really need to stay focused on what you are doing. You can say that you don't mind helping him with a few, but that as of now, there are too many questions being asked. Really though, how many questions can this guy really ask? Is there no other source of information he can get answers from besides you? Hope it works out for you!

Answer 4

If he keeps doing this all the time then it's a fact he knows it's annoying you so just tell him straight to piss off and stop talking to you. If you keep it bottled up it will cause stress and you will end up beating the crap out of him if you don't do something. This guy is not friend material so it doesn't matter what he thinks after you tell him this so be a man and tell him where to go.

Answer 5

Ask a question back when he asks one. He will get the hint. Be blunt and ask why he wants to know, or just why?? Ask him if you look like a walking encyclopedia set.

If he sees he is irritaiing you, it gives him the edge.

Put it back on them or ask to be moved if possible.

Only answer questions you know about. Other wise I DON'T KNOW works well or WHO CARES?? gets the point driven home. Tell them how you feel, maybe they will fade away.

Answer 6

Have a communique along with your husband. it incredibly is not suited that His Brother is on your mattress room at any time. And neither is it suited to be waking the toddlers at that hour no it is easy to desire to be on your mattress room yet You and your husband. sit down with the two one in each of them And tell them in the present day up it incredibly is not suited habit. tell the Brother in regulation along with your Husband there in the present day Up . Come via At lifelike hours or in no way And that he's to no longer be entering your mattress room ever returned. arise For your self

Answer 7

You could simply head them off - stop them before they ask you anything & say that you're really busy at the moment and would it be OK if you dropped by their desk when you had a free minute. If they stop you later & ask why you haven't ome to see them, you can honestly say that you haven't had that free minute pop up. =)

Answer 8

The next time he asks a question try asking him why he needs to know. I would answer his questions with a question of my own so he will be the frustrated one.

Answer 9

dont laugh. be open and honest and upfront. "hon, i just really dont feel like talking right now." or "sorry i dont have time to chat"

if you laugh he'll think you arent serious.

good luck!

Answer 10

Tell me when you find out.