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Super Contributor
Posts: 327
Registered: ‎06-27-2013

Question and response about another's health

I have a relative I will call "Cousin Sally".  Cousin Sally is having some health issues.  Yesterday a person who kinows I am related asked me about Cousin Sally's health.  I don't feel it is my place to blab about her private health concerns so I just vauguely said "Oh, she's pretty good". (Which is technically true, since she in not in a hosptial) I know Cousin Sally would not want her private information told to random people.  What is the best response to people who ask? I don't want to be rude or make up a lie, but I don't want discuss her private information. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,420
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: Question and response about another's health

Tell the truth.  "It's not my place to discuss her personal information.  Why don't you call her and ask her?  Maybe she'd like a visit."

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,846
Registered: ‎06-17-2015

Re: Question and response about another's health

@mormel20  "Thank you for your concern. I appreciate it but Cousin Sally respectfully requests her health be kept private."

 

No further explanation needed.

"" Compassion is a verb."-Thich Nhat Hanh
Super Contributor
Posts: 352
Registered: ‎06-28-2013

Re: Question and response about another's health

"just fine" is a sufficient answer

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,032
Registered: ‎07-26-2014

Re: Question and response about another's health

@mormel20  Well apparently that random person knew your cousin Sally is having medical issues.

 

I would have answered "Why do you ask?" & go from there depending on the answer.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."


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Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,908
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Question and response about another's health

I don't know enough to answer that properly. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,561
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Question and response about another's health

It is not my place to discuss her medical issues 

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,886
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Question and response about another's health

I see nothing wrong with your reply.

When I ask about someone it is to let them know I am thinking of them and care about them.

It's not necessary to answer with details or discuss all health issues.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,763
Registered: ‎02-07-2011

Re: Question and response about another's health

"She's doing fine.  Thanks for asking."  

 

I'm not sure why people are always afraid of being "rude" when it's usually the people inquiring who are the rude ones.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,191
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Question and response about another's health

Interesting post and replies.

 

Last week my next door neighbor called me for something.  I said to her that I noticed someone else was cutting her grass and I asked how our other neighbor was - he usually cuts her grass.  She replied she didn't want to gossip.  It never occurred to me that we would be gossiping.  He was a good friend of my husband's and I consider him and his wife friends. They've always been good neighbors.   I was honestly concerned for his health as I know he's been battling skin cancer.  Apparently it's best to just not ask about these things.