..."Did you sue"...after a tragedy...that has been over 10 years and you have MOVED ON...you haven't thought about that painful time in years...so you are SHOCKED that someone would even ask!!!...(Now you DO NOT WANT TO TELL THAT, it is personal whether you did or not)...what can you say, BEFORE YOU JUST WALK AWAY..so they would.."get it?"...and NOT BE RUDE THOUGH.... thanks for you answer..I appreciate it...
2007-09-30 08:22:10 · 7 answers · asked by sweet 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The question asked of you is not intended out of concern for you. The question is geared as information gathering for further gossip when you are not there.
You could say..."Your concern is touching, but don't you worry, I'm doing just fine and moving on with my life."
2007-09-30 08:27:09 · answer #1 · answered by go green shirts 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's so easy to be rude to people that are rude to you first, harder to maintain your sense of dignity and be gracious.
We are a curious species and love to know the end of the story. In your case, people want to know what you did to counteract the tragedy you suffered. Actually, I think they are hoping that there was some resolution for you, some bit of compensation.
Your sensitivity is understandable, however, and if you cannot bear to talk about the subject with others casually, you only need say, "I'm sorry but I just don't like to discuss it."
Leave that hanging in the air and move on to another topic. Most people won't ignore it with more questions.
As far as lawsuits being private, they aren't, actually. Any lawsuits brought to the justice system are part of the public record. People can look it up if they like.
2007-09-30 15:42:12 · answer #2 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would look at them with a perplexed, wrinkled brow and say, "Excuse me? What did you just say?" They won't say it again.
Another thing could do is look at them with a totally blank expression and say, "What an inappropriate question."
Don't be overly concerned with coming across as rude. It's difficult to address intrusive questions without feeling like you are being unkind. Get over it. You're doing the world a favor by teaching this person not to do that anymore.
2007-09-30 15:28:41 · answer #3 · answered by No Shortage 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"I BEG your pardon?! This is not something I care to discuss."
I'm pretty sure Miss Manners would approve.
Go ahead and let them see how shocked you are; they are being shocking, and it's right for them to see that they DID shock you.
That's the best way to try to clue them in.
It's not rude. Not being rude does NOT mean you have to put up with rudeness. It certainly doesn't mean you have to answer questions that are no one's business.
2007-09-30 18:15:10 · answer #4 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it was Dear Abby (or her sister) that said it best. Answer them with "Why do you want to know?"
TMD
2007-09-30 15:27:21 · answer #5 · answered by The Mad Doctor ™ 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just say no. If they ask further, say "let's not talk about it".
2007-10-01 04:53:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask; "Why do you want to know?" That usually shuts people up.
2007-09-30 15:28:39 · answer #7 · answered by kyralan 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋