We’ve all been there before. Somebody asks us an intrusive question that we really don’t want to answer. Maybe it’s about our personal life, or maybe it’s something more business-related. How do we handle these types of questions in a way that is intelligent and respectful? In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies for dealing with unwanted and curious questions.
First, let’s start with the basics. If you don’t want to answer a question, you don’t have to. It’s as simple as that. You have a right to privacy, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for why you don’t want to answer a particular question. Of course, this isn’t always easy to do, especially if the person asking the question is someone you know and trust. But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to answer any question that makes you feel uncomfortable.
If you’re not comfortable saying outright that you don’t want to answer a question, there are other ways to deflect it.
1- Don’t leave a chance for questions:
If you don’t want to answer questions, make sure there are no gaps for them to exploit. Just reply, “It was good,” if someone asks how your day went. Don’t dig any deeper or offer them any information that might be used to ask follow-up inquiries. You may also attempt this technique of leaving quickly or pretending to be engaged on your phone.
2- You can try changing the subject.
This is a great tactic if you don’t want to answer a question but don’t want to seem rude. Simply say something like, “That’s a really interesting question, but I’d rather talk about X instead.” Then, steer the conversation in a different direction. or if someone asks you how much money you make, you could say something like “I’m not comfortable talking about that, but I’m curious to know how much you make.” This puts the focus on them and takes the pressure off of you.
3- You can ask a question in return.
This is a great way to deflect an unwanted question while still being polite. For example, if someone asks you how much money you make, you could say something like, “That’s a bit personal, don’t you think? But I’m curious, what do you make?” Asking a question in return puts the pressure on the other person to answer, and it might make them think twice before asking you something personal.
4- Answer with only part of the truth.
This tactic requires a bit of finesse, but it can be effective. For example, let’s say you’re asked how many sexual partners you’ve had. You could answer honestly by saying something like, “I’m not comfortable sharing that information.” Or, you could give a partial answer by saying something like, “I’ve had a few.” This tactic allows you to answer the question without giving away too much information.
Read More: Signs Someone Might be Lying to You: How to Detect Lies
5- ‘Because’ is a magic answer.
If you don’t want to answer a question, sometimes the simplest response is the best. For example, if someone asks you why you’re not dating anyone, you could say something like, “Because I’m not interested in dating right now.” This answer is short, sweet, and to the point.
6- Prepare a saved answer to answer frequently asked questions.
If you get asked the same question over and over again, it can be helpful to have a saved answer ready to go. That way, you don’t have to keep thinking of a new response every time someone asks you the question.
7- Express your dissatisfaction with the question.
This tactic is a bit more direct, but it can be effective. For example, if someone asks you why you’re not married, you could say something like, “I’m not married because I don’t believe in the institution of marriage.” This answer expresses your dissatisfaction with the question while still being polite.
8- use humor.
This tactic can be a great way to diffusing a tense or awkward situation. If someone asks you a personal question that you don’t want to answer, you could say something like, “That’s a bit personal, don’t you think? But I’ll answer if you answer first.” This response is lighthearted and will likely make the other person laugh.
Dealing with unwanted and curious questions can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you have a right to privacy. Are there any other methods you use to manage these types of questions? Let us know in the comments below.
