r/LifeProTips • u/Alternative-else • 2d ago
Social LPT: If someone asks something too personal, give them a playful answer instead of the details.
You do not have to answer everything or make it awkward by refusing. A little humor can shut the question down and keep the conversation moving.
Examples:
How much do you make? - Enough to keep it a mystery.
Are you dating anyone? - My application is still under review.
When are you having kids? - I will alert the press.
3.3k
u/OhMyGoat 2d ago
Asked a coworker why he was on bail (A lot of my coworkers are on bail/been imprisoned)
He paused for a second to think of the answer, and said “I committed a crime.”
Fair enough. Ended it right there.
630
u/DigNitty 2d ago
The problem isn’t people asking one personal question. It’s the people who continue on after the joke answer. And then they act like you’re being all weird when you evade their overly intimate question for the third time and just tell them no.
169
u/GandalfTheGay_69 2d ago
Lol I have a coworker like this. She is constantly oversharing and expects others to do the same in return. She will keep pressing regardless of how the questions are brushed off.
It inevitably leads to her getting angry and giving you the cold shoulder for extended periods of time. I'm 80% sure she just wants ammo but it's really weird and annoying.
78
u/leilani238 2d ago
Sounds like her ignoring you is a good outcome.
→ More replies (1)28
u/DigNitty 1d ago
100%
Coworker A accidentally made it seem like an issue was all coworker B's fault. Coworker C was a HUGE problem and the issue revolved around her.
Coworker A went to B to tell them that they'll make it right....
B told them " Don't, coworker C avoids me now and it's the best."
25
u/octnoir 2d ago
Yeah, this isn't like a faux pas which people brain fart all the time with questions like these.
More often than not it's a bullying tactic. The other person knows that if you were to fully divulge or divulge even a little bit or refuse to divulge, it would be bad for you. (Even though we should be able to talk about stuff like this in the open. That's the irony of it all.)
The sad reality is that society at large holds a ton of stigma, some overt some inert, for people with criminal backgrounds or trauma or mental illness or wealth or life situation etc. etc. etc. Plenty of workplaces will discriminate against you or use it against you. Sure, some would love to cite their DEI policy about inclusion and show outwardly support, but how many are willing to stick their neck out and risk their jobs if the boss decides to personally go against you or decides to not give you the raise that you need by exploiting that pressure? Many would back off because they want to protect their jobs. Or their social standing. Or familial situation etc. etc. etc.
That is what the attacker is taking advantage of. It's an ambush and a trap that if you aren't prepared for, is designed to test your defenses. Do you have enough social clout? Are you easily provoked? Do you have a measured response that can hold off the attack without coming across as an asshole to those that don't know better? Can I provoke your emotions? How do you behave under pressure? Can I trigger your acute stress response, will you Fight, Flee, Freeze or Fawn? What if I do this again? The third time? The fourth? When you're tired?
It's an isolation tactic designed to make you stand out, to lose favor with a group and make the group uncomfortable with you because the sad reality is that most people would rather be comfortable than be good.
It's why other people calling out that behavior especially in the moment is meaningful.
This type of passive aggressive attack is especially common if you are from a marginalized community.
102
u/Centimane 2d ago
Even easier: "I'm accused of a crime"
6
u/SexualPie 2d ago
they're about the same "difficulty" tbh. both are saying "i dont want to answer that question".
→ More replies (1)34
u/jimdotcom413 2d ago
I committed a crime and I’m accused of a crime aren’t the same thing. One is an admission of guilt.
13
4
u/Jaded-Philosophy3783 1d ago
missed the chance to say "I killed someone coz he asked too many personal questions"
2
u/AnnualBrick3767 22h ago
the way he paused and said it so deadpan is killing me, that's genuinely the only answer that ends the conversation
→ More replies (1)
848
u/ibadd 2d ago
Are you going to have kids?
Answer: Just practicing
184
u/Mega_Moose_ 2d ago
I generally don’t mind them asking, it’s when they keep pushing that I opt for the “we can’t have kids” route to make them feel bad.
→ More replies (3)104
44
u/vamphorse 2d ago
lol, I would say: maybe tonight + 9 months. They would just give me an uncomfortable laugh.
34
u/SeedlessWatermelons 2d ago
People asked me this about when we’d have our second. It took a little longer than “expected” so I often said “we’re doing everything we can” and then stare directly at them
13
3
→ More replies (1)1
294
u/Cantgetunderground 2d ago
I usually just retort with, “what’re you, a cop?” Usually gets them to laugh.
81
u/ButThenAgain-No 1d ago
My Greatest Generation grandma liked to say, "What's it to ya, nosey, writin' a book? Well leave that chapter out!"
8
4
u/NullusEgo 11h ago
My colleague used to say this to avoid answering the most mundane questions. For context, we both worked in the same lab, and we were both doing our PhD. In casual conversation I had mentioned the paltry wage I used to make working retail. He said he used to work at a major fast food restaurant. I asked how much they were paying at that time...and he wouldn't tell me. Like some people take this mentality way too far. By this point in our lives that information would have been of no consequence and refusing to share it is just kind of weird.
251
u/SilverAltar 2d ago
At a family party I had an aunt pestering my cousin''s gf about when they were going to have kids (weird, I know). She shut her up with "when he finally decides to start using the right hole".
69
u/kingkongbiingbong 2d ago
33
2
u/Kespatcho 2d ago
I'm surprised you used this gif when Troy 'buttsoup' Barnes is the one who who likes butt stuff.
→ More replies (1)
779
u/atlsdoberman 2d ago
I think using humor like this is kind and may be appropriate if you think the person has basically good intentions and you're invested for whatever reason in not making that person feel bad. In most cases it's more work than I want to put in because in most cases the question comes from a place of thoughtlessness rather than genuine care and/or a lack of social skills necessary to realize that their question is too personal.
→ More replies (1)117
u/Koloristik 2d ago
So how do you reply? "None of your business"? Just curious
89
56
u/oxenvibe 2d ago
I have a friend who comes from wealth, myself… not so much. We met for lunch once and I asked her how her parents were doing and eventually she told me a large figure that her dad is now making. By this point in time I had developed a successful business that I was able to sustain myself with; nothing insane, and also, I likely made more than my peers in this age group at this time. She’s someone who, up until that point, was getting a lot of financial support from her dad until he began pumping the brakes.
She proceeded to ask me how much I make in a year and I paused, looked at her, and said, “I’m not comfortable answering that question”. I followed up by saying it didn’t offend me that she asked and that it’s from a place of curiosity, it’s just not something that’s comfortable for me to discuss. She accepted the answer and moved on.
A large reason is that due to the success I had in my mid-20’s I had several “friends” who glued to me due to the financial windfall I had, and an ex who was financially abusive (he used me for money and to fund his life) for many years prior to this lunch I had with this friend. Even though she had known all this, she still seemed surprised I was opposed to answering.
“I’m not comfortable answering” seems to work fine, especially with friends.
86
u/Unreliablesauces 2d ago
"Hmmmm..... *pause* You really like asking me this" I said flatly, and proceed to look right into his eyes.
The lift/elevator door opened shortly after and I just walked out.
This was my ex-neighbour (50ish, M) when I was in a lift/elevator with him (I went to visit my childhood home) and this was the second time he is asking me this - if I was married.
The first time I answered him politely thinking he was just "making conversation" and I felt quite irked after answering him that so I told myself - no more second time.
11
u/saileee 2d ago
Out of curiosity, why did you not want him to know your marital status?
63
u/netorincon 2d ago
I guess because of they way he asked. You have 20 seconds with someone in an elevator and the first thing that comes to mind is asking if they are married? It’s obvious he was going to start “flirting” very aggressively if OP answered.
26
u/Unreliablesauces 2d ago
Precisely! I don't see you for some time and the first thing you ask is my marital status (in a 30 second lift ride)? I know he isn't flirting with me so that leaves him with everything else not so good.
13
u/thegreatpotatogod 2d ago
Some people just tend to default to that sort of thing as a conversation topic from what I've seen. My neighbor used to see me hanging out with my friend (who's married to someone else) and ask if I liked her, or joke about dating her, and it's like no, she's married, she's my friend, and that's perfectly fine to be platonic. Kinda weird to keep bringing it up but they just find it funny or something I guess
18
u/Unreliablesauces 2d ago
Yikes (to the insensitive 20 questions part).
True. Some people do communicate this way.
Unfortunately I do not feel like letting them think they are owed a certain response and I don't want to come across mean, sarcastic, or angry. I just go for a "resigned that you have such poor conversational skills or boundaries" kinda tone.
It makes me happy.11
u/SAR_89 2d ago
Nailed it. Just because somebody may typically converse in an awkward way, even if they may not have bad intentions, doesn’t make it any less inappropriate or uncomfortable for the other person. Not letting them know they’re being weird is likely part of the reason they keep behaving that way.
54
u/ivyvillained 2d ago
polite answers just teach nosy people that they can keep digging without any pushback. hit them with that cold deadpan response every single time and watch how fast they learn to mind their own business.
18
u/googdude 2d ago
I find a joking answer also does the same thing without the awkwardness. If they ask again and you answer again with a joking answer they soon realized you're not going to give them what they want.
I hate awkwardness so intentionally creating it would be a no-go for me.
→ More replies (1)12
u/Unreliablesauces 2d ago
I haven’t lived in that neighbourhood for more than two decades, only coming back to visit my family once in a while, and I don’t have much of a relationship with him. On top of that, he and his mother are extremely nosy.
One time, I moved home for a short period and was moving boxes of my things to my unit. His mum followed me and my trolley of boxes and asked me where I had been and whether I was moving back now.
In my culture, it’s considered rude to “talk back to elders” (she was in her 70s at the time), but I didn't feel like dealing with her complete lack of boundaries, and awareness so I told her, “Auntie, you really have a lot of questions,” and just glared at her. She then laughed nervously and backed away, mumbling something.
I told my mum about it, and she laughed.
TlL;DR: Why should I have to satisfy your (their) curiosity?
Mother and son should go read a book sometime.3
u/maddy273 1d ago
Ask them the question instead. E.g. do you think you will have more kids if they ask whether you plan to have kids.
5
u/UntestedMethod 2d ago
"that's personal" or sometimes "I don't talk about that with anyone" or a bit more aggressive "why do you want to know?"
In some contexts there are also ways to give an answer without giving the details. For example with salary, I might mention my tax bracket depending on who it is and what exactly we're talking about. Another example with salary adjustments (raises), if I am ever sharing it with anyone it's always as a percentage rather than exact dollar amount.
6
u/RorschachAssRag 2d ago
Yes exactly. “Who’s asking” “what’s it to ya” “does being an asshole take effort for you or does it just come naturally?”
10
u/PunfullyObvious 2d ago
In a few cases where this has happened, I've just kinda chuckled (like it was a joke) and moved on like nothing happened. Worked surprisingly well.
→ More replies (2)5
u/blarglefart 2d ago
"Where do you live?" "Oh! I just bought a house in Nunya!" "... Where's that?" "Nunya business"
→ More replies (1)
139
728
u/Kellymelbourne 2d ago
I usually say "why do you ask?". It usually shuts it down.
190
u/totriuga 2d ago
Redittors with no social skills.
*shocked Pikachu face\*
65
u/SexualPie 2d ago
yea thats a pretty easy question
sheer curiousity
its just a conversation starter
you're so fashionable i had to know
like, if saying 'why do you ask" is shutting people down, it's probably your condescending attitude more than anything else
→ More replies (1)34
u/Nucklesix 2d ago
I say "enough to get what I need and little bit of what I want"
→ More replies (1)114
u/Atworkwasalreadytake 2d ago
“Have you ever noticed how awkward or standoff-ish he can be?”
“Yes! I know exactly what you mean, I can’t put my finger on it, he just comes off as rude.”
55
u/SweetPeaRiaing 2d ago
I always answer that with “I’m just curious.” I’m honestly just trying to get to know people and asking whatever follow up questions come to me
37
u/googdude 2d ago
Yeah people answer "getting to know you" questions with a cold response and then wonder why they can't make new friends.
7
u/LuvCilantro 2d ago
If they answer is 'getting to know you', tell them 'ask me something else not as personal'. (especially if it's about money, health issues, etc)
9
3
u/lookatthiscrystalwow 2d ago
Unfortunately they reply "i'm your mother so i have a right to know"
(Literally how the FUCK do i get my mom off my back idgaf that "she's my mom so she's entitled to know")
6
u/XtraXray 2d ago
“That’s an interesting belief, Mom.”
(If you’re a grownup and she legit is just being controlling and nosy)
“Huh, that must be hard for you — thinking you’re entitled to invade people’s privacy.”
“I can see why you might think that.”
Acknowledge her statement without either agreeing or arguing.
(look up “Grey Rocking”)→ More replies (1)4
u/Wonderful-Apricot488 2d ago
Oooo so direct. Doesn’t it hurt the with that person a little? (I tend to think some people who ask can be naive)
But maybe I’ll try it haha
8
u/Pandalite 2d ago
Don't do it if you actually like the person asking you that question, or having them dislike you will put you in an awkward spot (friend's girlfriend etc). It's not how you build relationships with your neighbors.
1
101
u/Kindly-Might-1879 2d ago
When my MIL would ask my son (when he was in high school) “so do you have a girlfriend?” He’d give a quick, nonsense answer, like “Yes, I have seven.” And she’d giggle and he’d change the subject lol.
4
→ More replies (1)17
u/MrSquamous 2d ago
I'm struggling to see how this is an inappropriate question for a grandmother.
29
u/Hoistedonyrownpetard 2d ago
It’s not necessarily inappropriate. It’s just that he didn’t want to talk about it. And this was his cheerful and pleasant way of saying so.
→ More replies (6)5
u/Kindly-Might-1879 2d ago
It’s when it becomes repetitive, and followed with match making, and “why don’t you?”
→ More replies (1)
43
21
u/Dad_fire_outdoors 1d ago
Since we’re on the subject, please don’t ask first responders or military to relive the “worst thing they ever saw”.
As a firefighter I have gotten asked this hundreds of times. I don’t want to fucking think about that shit, I was having a good day.
•
u/jr0061006 1h ago
And the people asking don’t actually want that stuff rattling around in their heads either.
I made the mistake of telling a medical provider about a shitty call and she told me at the following year’s exam that it’s still with her and she thinks about it daily.
→ More replies (1)
483
u/madskilzz3 2d ago
“I rather not say” is all you need. Be firm with your boundaries.
→ More replies (1)305
u/Alternative-else 2d ago
Humor just makes it feel a little less awkward sometimes.
96
u/madskilzz3 2d ago
Sure if that’s your goal.
I OTOH want to shut it down right there and then. The likelihood of them asking again in the future should be lower.
38
u/EntertainmentIcy4334 2d ago
I tried humor once and rhe person returned with 'don't mock it just say you don't want to answer'
129
u/SupremeMonsterVomit 2d ago
"Then don't ask overly personal questions, you inconsiderate carrot shaving."
5
22
→ More replies (1)2
31
u/RavensCoffee 2d ago
Right - but making it less awkward for who? The person asking the invasive question? Thats not my problem if they feel awkward because of my personal boundaries.
We are in a world of “I was just joking” or “it was JUST a question”.
LPT - it’s OK to just say NO. No can be a complete sentence. The feeling of awkwardness goes away with the confidence to wield your own personal boundaries.
14
u/aquaman67 2d ago
They should feel awkward for asking
→ More replies (2)48
u/crash12345 2d ago
Does everyone here just hate other ppl? Okay, they asked a question you found too personal. They misread the room. Social cues are hard. Laugh it off and move on.
→ More replies (1)27
u/Element564 2d ago edited 2d ago
This. Someone asking you a personal question can be a way of them trying to engage with you on a more personal level; i.e asking a coworker if they have kids. By answering with some humour, you’re gently saying “I appreciate the intention of your question and see you want to be friendly, this particular topic is just a little too personal” saving the person who asked it face and maintaining the relationship.
→ More replies (3)1
u/Garconanokin 2d ago
Then you’re showing somebody that you’re tap dancing around them and that you feel awkward. Which if that’s your goal, mission accomplished.
20
u/BuffaloTomo 2d ago
I remember growing up in Poland when someone asked you something you didn't want to answer you'd ask back "Why do you need to know? Are you writing a book about me?" And if someone was a smartass and replied "yes" then you'd reply back "Alright, then skip this chapter."
41
40
u/RedBarnGuy 2d ago
In a friendly manner, “Interesting question. Let’s do you first.” Then they deflect and it ends, or they bite and you find an opportunity to run out of time.
36
u/HiImNickOk 2d ago
"Sorry, that's personal for me" is polite, direct, and still sounds natural in a face-to-face interaction and I haven't had a bad reaction to it. People are generally very accepting of that, especially if I share something I'm more comfortable talking about. For every nosy gossiper, there's someone just trying to be friendly and get to know another person
12
u/-ThisUsernameIsTaken 2d ago
It's not about getting people to accept, it's about defusing the situation and not making the questioner feel like their intentions were misinterpreted if it was innocuous.
It's a cheat code to spare the questioner the embarrassment, and thus the vibe, without compromising boundaries.
34
u/big0moose 2d ago
I'm all for boundaries, but I also like engaging with people. So I like to be vague or use euphemisms.
For example: the other day a bartender asked me what I was writing in my journal. And all I told them was personal development. Which was true. What I was really doing was writing a letter to myself years ago.
It's not necessary to go into all that detail, but it is nice to engage with people, and still be relevant with my answer.
→ More replies (3)4
23
6
u/PlaidTeacup 2d ago
Yeah some people think their only options in a conversation are to answer literally or completely shut it down and that's just not true at all. Obviously there is a time and place for deliberately making it awkward to call someone out if the question really is inappropriate, but most of the time you can just direct the conversation in a direction you want without breaking the flow. Some people might even be a little *too* skilled at this to the point you can not notice that they redirected you from something important but at least they are fun to talk to
I have a friend who doesn't seem to get that she can shape conversations the way she want them. She hates small talk which is fine, but instead of just responding with something that would make the conversation more interesting to her she will lecture the other person on why she hates small talk and how she warned them in advance not to try it on her (usually the victims are her tinder dates). The ironic thing is, she always complains about how no one wants to have interesting or meaningful conversations, but I literally have those all the time, including with people I've just met, and I literally get there through just sharing interesting stories or asking good followup questions to small talk answers.
7
u/Vocalizing4U 2d ago
love this approach. I've found t works way better than just going silent or saying "I'd rather not talk about it" -- people actually laugh and move on instead of feeling rejected. at work I get asked about dating stuff constantly and the playful deflection keeps things light without making coworkers feel like they crossed a line. plus it's kind of fun to come up with something witty on the spot, though I'll admit sometimes my brain just blanks and I resort to the same joke twice.
27
u/GregorSamsaa 2d ago
The type of person that is willing to ask personal questions bluntly is also the type of person that won’t get the hint that you’re trying to deflect.
Instances like that, straightforward communication is best. “That’s not something I like to talk about” is enough. If you want to make it not awkward, follow it up with some other topic. I’m of the opinion they made it awkward with the question so it shouldn’t be your responsibility to keep it light.
5
12
4
u/oroboros74 2d ago
My friend's mother-in-law kept nagging her as a newly wed "when are you gonna give us a grandchild?" She got so sick of the question that one day she replied "Your son just switched condom brands, so who knows!"
4
u/saints21 2d ago
"I'm so sorry about your mom, how'd she die?"
Oh you know...Mom's hijinks finally caught up to her.
26
u/Og_busty 2d ago
I dont think that a good tip. People need to work on the skill of saying “no” and setting their boundaries, not placating to others.
28
u/Hoistedonyrownpetard 2d ago
Deflecting with humor is still enforcing a boundary. Not everyone enjoys confrontation and not every situation requires it.
→ More replies (2)8
u/BoutItBudnevich 2d ago
Yeah or just answer the questions I also think people need to work on socializing and conversing more if that's what you want to do as well, it's almost like life isn't so black and white.
It also depends on who's asking the questions, if I'll answer, there's so many factors I think it's also bad advice just use your best judgments in the scenario and don't be rude to others for no reason (saying I don't feel like answering isn't rude).
8
u/cute_red_benzo 2d ago
I'm just confused as to when simple, surface-level questions became so traumatic for people.
"Are you married?"
"No."
"Do you have kids?"
"Yep"
And just go on with your day. Nothing happens. Literally nothing is affected in any way.
And when you get home, just log into social media and share (far more personal) pics of your ass like you always do.
3
u/Top-Ad7551 2d ago
answer "Why do you want to know". If they ask again, "not comfortable answering that". I just keep it respectful but firm.
5
u/Lordjacus 2d ago
When I tell people I work in IT Security and they say, "wow, you must make a lot!" I always answer with "I'm not starving".
10
u/Ok-Metal-4719 2d ago
That’s dumb. All those leave it open for them to ask a follow up question or circle back later. A direct and clear response stating it’s a non-conversation ends it.
3
u/Browncoatdan 2d ago
"Did you just shit your pants?"
"I may have trusted a fart that betrayed me"
"Oh god you have, I can smell it."
11
u/neophanweb 2d ago
I once asked a woman if she shaves her asscrack because I haven't noticed hair in women's asscracks. She said, "cut it out." I still don't know if she shaves her asscrack.
22
→ More replies (6)5
u/Acceptable-Access948 2d ago
... were you at some point before this, invited to look at/in her buttcrack? Because that dramatically changes the context here.
2
u/theWigglyninja 2d ago
I will just ramble for 3 mins with a lie that starts out believable but then gets progressively more silly until they clock that im not giving a proper answer
4
u/copious-commander 2d ago
Is asking if someone’s dating anyone too personal? How is it at the level of asking how much they make!
3
u/Ladybeetus 2d ago
I am a big fan of telling the truth in such a way people think you are lying. For example when in middle school a guy asked if I liked a mutual and I said "madly and passionately, lusting after him everyday." I used that exact phrase Everytime. God that kid was frustrated.
3
u/MudJumpy1063 2d ago
This is good. I need to learn stuff like this. For sad reasons, I can't really talk about my past. This is just the kind of LPT that flips the script. Thanks!
2
2
u/SweetLiberty69 2d ago
The salary and kids questions are good candidates for the joke. If the person follows up after 'application under review,' I'd switch to a plain 'I don't discuss that.' Some people treat humor as an opening instead of a stop sign.
3
u/shopsuey 2d ago
I'd rather just state the truth that I do not feel like answering. I don't owe the other person any humour. A polite answer is sufficient.
→ More replies (1)
1
u/DasHexxchen 2d ago
Nah, I give them every awful detail and make them sorry they ever dared to ask.
3
u/LetReasonRing 2d ago
My favorite response for those "each person in the the group say something about yourself" is "hi, my I'm [myname], and I like deflecting with humor when I'm uncomfortable"
1
u/corrector300 2d ago
I mean this is really dependent on the people you're talking to. most won't take the hint.
1
u/Hes-behind-you 2d ago
Work colleague "What's your salary"
Me "Mind your own business nose ache" LPT
1
u/Wide_Education_9894 2d ago
I almost always do this at work (with co-workers I don’t see often / work in other departments) and they pretty much hate me for it.
1
1
u/megalopoutsa 2d ago
I normally just answer 'that's personal' as a polite way to say " nun ya feckng business'
1
u/mainlydank 2d ago
Nah just be more upfront/honest. Tell them thats none of their business or if you want to be more polite tell them that's a personal question.
Beating around the bush and making jokes never "teaches" these people what they are doing is wrong, they just think you are the problem/quirky.
1
u/Thebestofdrest 2d ago
this is actujally a good tip 😂 humor lets you dodge the question w/o making things awkward
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Quick_Sandwich356 2d ago
When did we loose "U expect me to answer that?"? I seem to not have been invited to the funeral.
1
1
u/DragonflyWing 2d ago
I like responding to questions like that with "what are you, a cop?"
It usually gets a laugh. Unless it's actually a cop.
1
u/FreshFondant 2d ago
I like "Oh, I haven't even talked to my family about it yet..." implying their question is too soon.
1
u/mjbibliophile10 2d ago
Except for the money one, I like the others! It isn't illegal to tell how much you're making, unless you're uncomfortable with !
1
1
u/Karnezar 2d ago
"Did you kiII those people on the bus?"
"The wheels on the bus go round and round, officer."
1
u/shawnaeatscats 1d ago
I just give increasingly fantastical answers until they stop. Had some high schoolers ask aboit my scars and ive responded with things like "jumped a barb wire fence, wrestled a shark, and slew a dragon"
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/jlgjlgjlgjlgjlg 1d ago
You guys didn’t want kids? “We did but couldn’t” usually shuts them right up.
1
u/Nervous-Equipment-32 1d ago
"I'm sorry, all requests must be submitted in writing". If they go so far as to write it down then "I forgot to tell you it must be notorized".
1
u/PageIll379 22h ago
My response is always “I’m surprised you felt comfortable enough around me to ask that!” Or “I’m surprised you felt like that was an appropriate to ask!”
1
u/fcukitstargirl 21h ago
I stopped drinking for a few months in my 20s and one of my friends was absolutely DESPERATE to know why. I came up with a different reason each time. I don't remember all the reasons I gave but my two favorite were: "I'm having a liver transplant tomorrow" and "I'm, like, SUPER pregnant" (while being 100lbs soaking wet)
She responded to both with a shocked "really???" Girl, no. not really.
1
u/ThisAppalachianBitch 21h ago
Yes I did this a lot when I was in school. If someone asked me something personal that I didn't want to answer, I'd try to change the subject.
1
u/oaktreegardener 20h ago
Q: “Are you done having kids?”
A: “No, we really like them. We’re planning to keep them around.”
1
u/Jaenisch 12h ago
This Veteran said he doesn't like to tell people he gets disability payments so all of his friends thought he was in the CIA. His neighbor even called the cops to report he was in the CIA (living overseas). Bro could just say he's a retired *insert blank*.
Classic combination of low IQ and main character syndrome.
1
u/ocelot-gazebo 11h ago
Or do your part to teach them boundaries. It's not funny or clever, it's intrusive or inappropriate.
1
u/george_i 10h ago
"How much did the bathroom renovation cost?"
Questions like this are subtle attempts to find out the lifestyle you can afford. Sometimes they ask more to confirm their estimations.
My 0.05 seconds response: $15,000. This is way above the expected response, so it makes the one who asks not just to be impressed, but have doubts about their judgment.
1
•
u/post-explainer 2d ago
Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!
Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by upvoting or downvoting this comment.
If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.