Anonymous wrote:

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

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

No, it’s not stupid. Sometimes people do have a reason to ask and if they state the reason, it may turn into a question that I am actually willing to answer. E.g. someone asks how much I make and then says that their nephew is considering the same career. I can happily direct them to a website that shows the range of salaries by experience and area of practice for my profession.

Sorry, that's too personal/private for me to discuss.

I'm not comfortable answering that.

Wow.

None of your business.

That's not a question I’m comfortable answering.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to be direct and say I don't want to answer. Kudos to those that do that. I'd have to know the question to really respond, but my default is getting all awkward and saying "I don't know" and trying to change the subject.

Pro tip: the awkward moment will pass much more quickly if you just say "I don't answer questions like that." Because if someone asks you something like how old were you when you lost your virginity and you say you don't know, they'll ask follow up question and stay on the subject longer.

I agree with this. Now that I am 50, I am a lot more comfortable being more direct; but still polite and gracious. I am an adult. I don’t answer questions I don’t want to answer, for whatever reason. And although I don’t think I owe anyone an explanation, sometimes I will give one.

I usually answer, because I have a hard time evading direct questioning and I don't actually very much what they know about me. But when I REALLY don't want to answer, I just smile blandly. It disconcerts the questioner big time and makes them so uncomfortable.

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

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

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to be direct and say I don't want to answer. Kudos to those that do that. I'd have to know the question to really respond, but my default is getting all awkward and saying "I don't know" and trying to change the subject.

Pro tip: the awkward moment will pass much more quickly if you just say "I don't answer questions like that." Because if someone asks you something like how old were you when you lost your virginity and you say you don't know, they'll ask follow up question and stay on the subject longer.

You answer by asking them a question

I would say, Why do you ask?

No thank you.

I find it hard to be direct and say I don't want to answer. Kudos to those that do that. I'd have to know the question to really respond, but my default is getting all awkward and saying "I don't know" and trying to change the subject.

"I don't answer questions like that."

Hmm, I would just say "sorry I don't want to answer that question" or "sorry I'm not really sure how to answer that question.." or I don't have an answer right now.

Tell us the question

Would you say that?