How do you diplomtically decline to answer any kind of question that you don't wish to answer?

Question

If someone asks me a question, and I feel uncomfortable answering it, how do you politely decline to answer?

Answer 1

My personal favorite-----"Why do you want to know?" said with a smile.
My 2nd favorite--------smile and ignore the question

Answer 2

I wish I could give you a straightforward answer but that's just not the case. Circumstances play a large role in how one declines to state an answer to any given question. For instance, if you choose not to answer a friends question because your uncomfortable then it might seem to them your distancing yourself from them.

One way to approach a response to a uncomfortable question would be to respond with a joke about the topic. You use the joke to respond to their question as a sort of "smoke screen" and swiftly switch over to another topic.

If its someone who you are not familiar with then you should have a little more leeway and be able to be more straightforward in telling them you really don't want to answer that kind of question.

Answer 3

You answer according to what kind of question it is. But you never have to answer any question you don't want to answer.
You could say:
I don't know.
I'd rather not say.
It's just something I don't want to go into right now.
It's sort of a secret.
I'm not really ready to talk about that.
This is just something that I'd prefer to not answer.
What do you think the answer is? Maybe you already know.
Would it really bother you if I didn't answer that?
I would like to tell you, but it might not be better for you and me not to.
Is this something that you really need to know? If not, I'd really rather not go into it.
and............if you are on your cell phone, just make a scratchy noise and hang up. :>)

Answer 4

Honesty is the best policy. It takes out all the guess work and leaves no room for error.

Simply tell them you do not want to answer the question, end of story. That is not rude. Most people find honesty refreshing.

Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Direct and simple.

Answer 5

Maybe say, "I'd rather not talk about that right now, if you don't mind. Thank you."

And if they keep bugging you, you could say, "I already politely asked you if we could change the subject. If you can't respect my wishes then this conversation is over."

Then, if they keep it up, you'll have to get up and leave. Three strikes and you're out.

Answer 6

Just say, I'm sorry but that is personal and I'm uncomfortable responding. Few people will press forward with that answer. If they continue to be rude, then you can walk away.

Answer 7

you can simply change the subject - and keep doing it until the other person takes the hint.

you can say straight out, *i'm sorry, but that isn't a topic that i care to discuss with you.* and then change the subject.

edit: mom knows best!

Answer 8

You could answer in a blunt way, telling as least information that you can and then change the subject.

Answer 9

Just smile politely, and say " While I appreciate your interest (or comment, or view, or what ever) I really don't talk about myself or my private life (or whatever it is they asked about). Is there another subject we might have in common?"

Answer 10

When I'm in that situation, I smile and say, "I plead the 5th" or "I respectfully refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incinerate, er, incriminate me!"