Re: People Asking Personal Questions

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

Years ago I observed the excellent handling of a too-nosy busybody ....

my friend stared at her for a few seconds, then burst out laughing and said "My, my, you really are NOSY. Don't you realize yet that some things are just NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS? What is WRONG with you?"

Then I burst out laughing and we left the busybody standing there, speechless for the first time in her life, probably.

People continue to do this because people let them get away with it.

Kitlynn · ‎03-09-2010

I always think if someone is talking about me they are giving others a rest! If I hear any good gossip about myself I just add to it and pass it on!! LOL

silkyk · ‎03-03-2011

If asked a nosy rosy question just reply "why do you ask?" and give them the stink eye while YOU ask.

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

No one has to answer questions put to them like this, but it is easy to be evasive and civil all the same Just utter a stream of pleasantries and keep moving...So nice to run into you, Mother is doing well, what a lovely day, so much to do, so little time, must run, etc.

Daisy Sunflower · ‎10-26-2010

I think some people who act that way might think they're being friendly. They don't realize they're saying the wrong thing. They might also be lonely and are eager to keep the conversation going.

HisElk1 · ‎09-29-2015

@silkyk wrote:
If asked a nosy rosy question just reply "why do you ask?" and give them the stink eye while YOU ask.

We had (and still have since moving) a neighbor (male, both of them) who would ask me "how old are you?"

My response to both of them is "why do you ask" and "what difference does it make".

The single man who lives next to us we rarely see. Actually, when DH goes out to get the mail, he checks first to see if he's sitting outside - if he is, he waits. He's a braggert (sp?) and the conversation is always about him. It gets old quickly, along with his stories about his POF (plenty of fish) women. We've seen them come and go LOL.

AlAnn · ‎10-06-2011

Several years ago my cousin went to charm school. She was taught to respond to questions like that by say "If you'll excuse me for not answering your question, I'll excuse you for asking it". lol

GenXmuse · ‎05-15-2016

If it's something I'd rather not answer, I just ask, "why? What have you heard?" and laugh it off.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@Daisy Sunflower wrote:

I think some people who act that way might think they're being friendly. They don't realize they're saying the wrong thing. They might also be lonely and are eager to keep the conversation going.

Yes. Some people might really care about how you are. I have several widowed friends, both men and women. I've been with them when they have been asked if they were dating yet. Most will smile and say they're not looking.

I'm glad I don't know anyone like your neighbor. But if I did I would smile and answer as honestly as I could. DD would do the same thing if someone were to ask about me. I assume the person asking might just care about the answer!