What are nice ways of saying to someone "that's none of your business"? I'm always asked my age like they think it's okay to ask a grown woman her age. I know that me having a tiny child like voice (or high pitched) really doesn't helpe me at all but I really need help on this. Just now, some telemarketer called and I mistakenly answered because I thought it was family calling. I usually don't answer, but anyway, she asked me how old I was bluntly before she got on to say anything! She didn't even say how are you or hi I am so and so from this company! Nothing! Just said "how old are you?" How rude and weird first of all! Anyway, what are some nice things I could do? I just wanted to hang up and not speak to her but for some reason I didn't and I was even polite to her saying that I wasn't interest in taking the survey. Why are some people just so tactless!
Note: this wasn't the first time I got asked about my age in front of my face ( a friend's relative did this). And I know it's
2007-10-23 10:26:23 · 12 answers · asked by Suzy Suzee Sue 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
...not a big deal but I get annoyed sometimes when strangers do this because I also don't look my age.
2007-10-23 10:27:00 · update #1
Thanks guys! Oh and I know it's kind of my fault since I do look and sound younger than I am, but is it really my fault? I was born this way!
2007-10-23 10:34:47 · update #2
I just ignore the question. Just because someone asks a question, doesn't mean you are obligated to answer it -- or even acknowledge it. If they are rude enough to insist, you can always give them The Look and say, "I'm not going to discuss that."
Telemarketers -- sorry, I use Caller ID and don't even answer if it's an "Out of Area" or "ID Blocked". If it's important, friends leave a message and I call them back at my convenience. Otherwise, if I do happen to pick up, I simply gently hang up. End of discussion.
2007-10-23 12:15:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I completely understand. I am 26 and a few months ago I got carded when I bought a PG-13 video. They actually insisted on seeing ID. My question-what 13-year-old HAS any ID? I am a teacher (this is my 4th year) and on parents' night, parents come up to me and ask if I know where the teacher went. I try not to take it peronally and to be nice, but it does get old. I just keep telling myself I will be glad when I am 40 or 50 and still look 10 years younger than I am (I hope)!
2007-10-23 17:55:36 · answer #2 · answered by DLM 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get the same question all the time. I am a small person and look about 17. I have a 6 month old. I am almost 30. People ask me ALL the time how old I am ... it is nobodies business. The first thing out of my mouth is How old are you? Sometimes that stops them. If not, I say Old Enough. That usually works.
2007-10-23 17:37:38 · answer #3 · answered by littlelins1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is never nice to be mean. But it is fine to respectfully avoid a rude question. I think the best way is to say, "Why do you need to know?" Someone on the phone may need to determine if they are speaking with an adult.
Otherwise, their only option is to defend themselves, which is only fair since that is what they were asking you to do.
2007-10-23 18:28:40 · answer #4 · answered by notmuchofacook 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no NICE way to be MEAN. And being rude to someone who is rude to you is also not polite. Remember, two wrongs don't make a right (but three rights make a LEFT! .... tee hee.. just a small joke there!).
As for people asking about your age, some proper responses include,
"Oh MY! WHY do you need to KNOW?"
"Older than the hills but younger than dirt."
"PARDON?????"
"MY but you are a CURIOUS fellow!"
"That's for ME to know and you to keep wondering about!"
Get the idea? As for myself, I like the second one, or something more like, "Older than you want to be!"
Have a polite day.
2007-10-23 19:45:58 · answer #5 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just respond sardonically and say "Well, most obviously not as old as you!" and your humorous approach will not only put them in their place, but maybe even let them reevaluate what questions were meant to be asked, and which ones are off-limits.
If they have a problem with your response, let them know that you had a problem with their question : )
2007-10-23 17:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
So you look and sound younger than you are. Don't get annoyed. It's great. If people ask your age, just say, "Over 21" - that will stop them in their tracks.
2007-10-23 17:31:07 · answer #7 · answered by jenesuispasunnombre 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
But really, how old are you? Just kidding.
I think you should take it as a complement unless your actually younger than you look.
As for televendors, ask them for their home phone # and you'll call them later to answer their Qs.
2007-10-23 17:36:55 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsy Priest 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The voice probably 'threw her'........ Don't forget, the callers are talking to strangers too!!!! They make mistakes on their job just like us.
2007-10-23 18:13:44 · answer #9 · answered by Mercedes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
watch British Parliament for lessons.
2007-10-23 17:31:45 · answer #10 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋