How would you respond if somebody asked you a question that you didn't want to answer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no problem saying I don't discuss my age, weight, or salary, but other questions catch me off-guard. Shortly after I gave birth in my early 40s, an acquaintance asked if I used donor eggs. I didn't, but I was stunned/taken aback when she asked me and stammered over an answer.

Do you look old for your age? Are you fat? What's the point of that? So silly.

Np the point is they dont want to answer. Why do you need to know? Hint...you dont

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Why do you ask?”

Usually catches people off guard.

To which they would answer: "why not?"

You learned nothing from your parents.

"Because" on an endless loop.

I learned not to be paranoid.

You are clueless socially. If you made a remark like that to me I'd tell you to shove off. No one owes you and explanation or answer to anything.

You are terribly rude.

You are wrong. The rude person is the one who thinks people owe them things - including information.

No, but you are rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to learn how to redirect these idiots, OP. Otherwise, avoid them completely.

Please, some examples of redirect. I'd prefer that to slightly confrontational answers like 'why do you ask?" Which invites further discussion. Thanks!

DP, but I gave a similar answer about a generic or funny comment then re-directing. Examples:

“Has Larlo been accepted to any colleges yet?”

Me: he’s still exploring options. Oh before I forget, can you send me that cake recipe you made for Sally’s party.

“Are you on the work committee that is deciding whether to let Larla go?”

Me: That’s above my pay grade! Anyway, I’ve been meaning to mention, there’s a new coffee shop going up a block away. I’m excited to check out.

Those redirects always seem so pointed. And I'm someone who's perfectly comfortable not answering things

"Where's Larlo going to college?"
"We're letting him make that announcement"

"Did your parents leave much of an estate?"
"Yikes. That's quite a question"

I'm not going to add, "Have you been to the farmers market?"

I think it really depends on the person asking. There are people who will drop it when the response is like those the 2nd PP gives, but for some of my family members, it really does work better to get the subject changed as quickly as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would say, Why do you ask?

This is a stupid response. People ask because they're curious.

This is the answer. But first, after the rude question, you pause for a slightly uncomfortable amount of time, starting at them, and say "Why do you ask?" in a very surprised--almost shocked--tone of voice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would say, Why do you ask?

This is a stupid response. People ask because they're curious.

This is the answer. But first, after the rude question, you pause for a slightly uncomfortable amount of time, starting at them, and say "Why do you ask?" in a very surprised--almost shocked--tone of voice.

Then they come back with a confident statement of interest in the topic, because it is already established that their boundaries are different from yours. Then what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would say, Why do you ask?

This is a stupid response. People ask because they're curious.

This is the answer. But first, after the rude question, you pause for a slightly uncomfortable amount of time, starting at them, and say "Why do you ask?" in a very surprised--almost shocked--tone of voice.

Then they come back with a confident statement of interest in the topic, because it is already established that their boundaries are different from yours. Then what?

+1

None of the asking questions to a question are "shocking".

[Anonymous]

"I'd prefer not to get into that. Let's talk about you! How is XYZ going?"

[Anonymous]

It depends on the question, whether it is asked in an email / text or face to face.

I find it harder to ignore face to face questions. But I do still do it. I just ignore. Sometimes the person thinks I've not heard them and they repeat the question, in which case I'll just change the subject. I'll do this as many times as necessary until they get the point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you say that?

Just because someone asked a question, doesn't mean you need to answer. Just say its not a topic you wish to address at the moment.

[Anonymous]

Without hesitation, I would say, " The very moment that I consider that to be xny if your business, I will let you know. Until such time, it is none of your business.,"

It is rude to ask personal questions.

[Anonymous]

Without hesitation, I would say, " The very moment that I consider that to be xny if your business, I will let you know. Until such time, it is none of your business.,"

It is rude to ask personal questions.