Why do people get offended when you ask them their age?

Question

The other day I asked my friend her age. I haven't known her for that long, I've known her for like a year but I never bothered asking so it was kind of out of the blue. She was laughing about it, she's not one to get offended easily, but she still refused to answer lol. What's the big deal? She looks young, I assumed she is probably not much older than me.

Answer 1

Some people don't like to say it because they don't want to admit it to themselves that they are old.

Answer 2

I don't mind telling you I'm 347 years old. In rabbit years.

They say that when you get old, the second thing to go is your memory. I can't remember the first.

All seriousness aside, it is touchy asking women their age. You've known this woman for a year, so you should have had an idea whether this would be offensive or not.

Some people are very self-conscious about their age. There is such an emphasis on youthfulness in our culture, especially with women. In many other cultures, age is respected and people lie about their ages the other way! They exaggerate how old they are, adding years to their actual age.

But here, for women especially, being old means being undesirable and unwanted. I'm sorry they feel that way.

I suggest you find a way to make her feel special and wanted. Like offer her a bowl of Trix or some rabbit pellets or something.

Answer 3

its a well known fact that women never get any older than 21
at least until they hit 40
so its no use asking :)

Answer 4

I don't know but I think it's lame....I have no need to hide my age. Maybe because I look a lot younger than I am.

Answer 5

I'm not offended I'm 48 and proud of it

Answer 6

They want to remain young.

Answer 7

i dont you can ask me anytime infact here you go iam 22 yo

Answer 8

every body is not like you

Answer 9

ermm...that's their private business.