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

[Anonymous]

A lie by omission is still a lie.

[Anonymous]

I’ve decided that if someone says “Can I ask you a question?”, which usually has something to do with my ethnicity, I will answer “I can’t stop you from asking, but I may not answer.”

[Anonymous]

A family member asked me how much money I spent on Taylor Swift tickets. Didn’t feel comfortable, and I frankly thought it was rather rude, so I just said too much and left it at that.

[Anonymous]

"I prefer not to answer that question; thank you for respecting my privacy."

[Anonymous]

No speak English.

[Anonymous]

I laugh.

[Anonymous]

ask them a question back

[Anonymous]

I think "what makes you ask" is often a good way to make people realize they probably shouldnt ask while not being directly confrontational, and it helps redirect to something useful at times, as someone else points out (the poster said she didn't want to talk about HER salary, but could direct someone's nephew to a website that would give general info on the trade)

[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.

Why are you curious?

Because I’m a naturally curious person who is interested in other people.

[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.

Why are you curious?

Because I’m a naturally curious person who is interested in other people.

So in--

You: "Are you planning on having more kids?"
Response: "What makes you ask?"

Your response wouldn't be to inwardly think, yikes that is none of my business? Just FYI, if you said "Because I’m a naturally curious person who is interested in other people" I would respond

- I am having a miscarriage as we speak
- My marriage is in trouble
- I can't and it's so painful
- I am depressed or dying, and don't think it's wise
- My husband can't get it up

Even if none of the above are true.

If you asked,

- Why did you keep your maiden name?
- Because I’m a naturally curious person who is interested in other people

I would respond,

"because I think people who do it are dumb"

It seems like often questions have agendas

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I say, “That’s classified,” smoke, and change the subject.

I like this.

[Anonymous]

Why do you ask?

That's a personal question.

[Anonymous]

What is the context, OP?

A lot of time when people ask invasive, rude questions, they don't realize how inappropriate they are being until they examine their intentions. Which is why I like "why do you ask?"

But if it's work-related, etc., you could always deflect or focus on other talking points.

[Anonymous]

"I'm not at liberty to say."

[Anonymous]

I have always said, “I don’t feel like talking about that right now.”