At what age is it rude to ask someones age ?

Question

For example, it is probably ok to ask someone who looks in their 20s their age, but maybe it is rude to ask someone who looks in their 40s.

Does this also depend on the askers age ?

Are the rules different between men and women ?

Answer 1

If the thought "this might be rude" crosses your mind, dont do it. Thats how i figure that out!

Answer 2

No i do no longer think of that's impolite. Why is age a mushy concern? that's the form of years you have been alive. i may be responsive to the way issues like weight or clothing length may be mushy as extra advantageous or smaller human beings can sometimes be embarrassed by how lots they weigh as they could are available the time of quite some a abuse for a fashion they look. yet why could age be embarrassing? Or cigarettes for that rely. you pick to smoke, you do it in public, by your guy or woman standards that's no longer something hidden. undesirable analogy there. between the 1st issues I ask whilst getting to be responsive to somebody easily. you start to talk, making associates and you ask how previous are you? that's purely a query, why get your knickers in a team? you will not get disenchanted if somebody asked you do you have any siblings or the place do you come again from or what neighbourhood do you reside in or do you like eastenders? So yeah i don't get it whilst human beings get indignant over that. you do no longer look the right age to have a baby? Its a compliment, thank them and chortle it off. you will savour it once you attain the incorrect area of 30.

Answer 3

I think you have to look deeper into this. Try asking what 'rude' means. At a very young age we don't know of the concept. It's something we take on from others. And we can question the programming, at any age.

I'm 47, and I wouldn't mind being asked. In fact I think I'd kinda like it because I'd see the asker as someone who isn't all caught up in society's beliefs.

If you live your life to make others comfortable, maybe you're being rude to that within you that desires to live freely.

Answer 4

This issue has always bothered me, and I didn't know why until now. I think it's rude to people who are ashamed of their age... and I don't think ANYONE should be ashamed of their age. I really believe aging is a wonderful thing. Without it, we can't grow and learn. Wisdom is completely undervalued in this world of sound-bites and 1/2 second camera shots. So, make your own call. I know some consider it rude to ask people's age, but I do anyhow. Most people I meet seem younger than they are, so it's easy to compliment them and share their smile. If you want to know someones age, I say just ask. It's a brave new world.

Answer 5

I think it's OK to ask someone's age if they are less than or equal to your age and if they are of approximately same social status as you. Like asking a child their age is OK. Asking a peer that is close to your age is OK. But asking a boss or someone's grandma their age is not OK.

I don't think the lines of man/woman really matter if you follow this rule.

I'm a phd student, but look like an undergraduate. People don't even think I'm a phd student so they constantly ask my age, most are men, that's all that's in my field.

Answer 6

I think it best just not to ask how old they are, if you really want to know perhaps ask whens their birthday and maybe they'll say the year or what age their turning. But I'm only 13 and I don't even like people asking me how old I am (I feel like giving out my young age makes people think me immature and naive)

Answer 7

I guess if your obviously a lot older than them its ok to ask. But if you want to know and your not a lot older looking, say "You look around 23, is that how old you are?" or something because its complimenting them. I don't think its offensive to ask a guys age for some reason. But its really offensive if a guy asks a girl over 30.

Answer 8

It is usually acceptable for older people to ask the age of younger persons, and for people of around the same age to ask each other. It is usually less acceptable for considerably younger people to ask an older persons age, unless they a re a senior citizen. Also, women tend to take more offense at people asking their age than men.

Answer 9

Unless you're carding someone for purchase of alcohol, cigarettes or other controlled item. I think it's rude to ask anyone's age, if that person is an adult.

Answer 10

Never ask a woman her age. She gets offended easily.