Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I've seen the suggestion here of saying to the rude person "why do you ask?" But with some family members, they are comfortable saying "I'm just curious" or "I like to know these things", and they don't accept, "It's something we'd rather keep private."
The most recent case was a relative asking what we inherited from another relative. (The asking relative is in no way related to the relative whose estate they want to discuss). Saying I'd like to keep it private makes them even more curious (did they get NOTHING?! did they get millions and aren't sharing?!) How to escape this conversation that they don't plan on dropping any time soon, but I am thoroughly uncomfortable discussing with them or anyone.
Repeat. Repeat "we are keeping that private" with a polite smile. If they persist, "June, i don't want to be rude, but it is none of your business, and I won't discuss it further."
There's no such thing as "they don't accept." You stonewall them. You don't give in, because then you teach them to continue the behavior.
Anonymous wrote:I think you should just answer them in a nonspecific way..."We are grateful aunt Edna thought so much of us."
Your coyness about it is pretty snobby in my opinion. Why be so cagey?
Anonymous wrote:When it comes to addressing rude questions/setting boundaries:
First time I'm polite.
Second time I'm civil.
Third time I'm a bitch.
Works pretty well.
Anonymous wrote:I've seen the suggestion here of saying to the rude person "why do you ask?" But with some family members, they are comfortable saying "I'm just curious" or "I like to know these things", and they don't accept, "It's something we'd rather keep private."
The most recent case was a relative asking what we inherited from another relative. (The asking relative is in no way related to the relative whose estate they want to discuss). Saying I'd like to keep it private makes them even more curious (did they get NOTHING?! did they get millions and aren't sharing?!) How to escape this conversation that they don't plan on dropping any time soon, but I am thoroughly uncomfortable discussing with them or anyone.