What's a polite way to not answer a question? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Nancy1999 · 04-09-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

"Not too far. Where do you live?"

This is my favorite answer!

Dara311 · 04-09-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sookie

Often when I am walking my dogs I will have someone stop me to ask questions about them, which I don't mind. I'm proud of my dogs and understand the interest. What I don't like is when they ask (often) "where do you live"? I guess they think that since I am walking in their neighborhood I must live nearby and they are probably just curious. But I have this worry that there is an ulterior motive for the question...you know what I mean, right? I don't just want to say "None of your business because I'm afraid you're going to come steal them someday"! LOL j/k But still, I don't feel like it's something I want to answer.

I'd say, oh I live out of town, just here visiting some friends!

yorkiejunkie · 04-09-2010, 10:45 AM

"Over the mountains,♫ and thru the woods...♪ ♫"

Breny · 04-09-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

"Not too far. Where do you live?"

PERFECT!

I love this answer!

shodanusmc · 04-09-2010, 10:49 AM

What was the question?

maryeverett1 · 04-09-2010, 10:55 AM

Love this thread and the answers are amazing!! I think my fav is "my mommy told me to not tell strangers where I live" or flipping the question into a question for them! I have to say I wish regard for manners was more important to people all the way around in life. I'm constantly shocked as an adult how little people regard good manners, simple kindness and etiquette in general! It is something I am a fanatic about with my girls ("how to raise a lady") It seems that people think more about manners when you are face to face. The Internet/online seems to be a whole other story! Thanks for sharing some fantastic options to a difficult situation!! Love YT!!

LuvMyPuppE · 04-09-2010, 11:16 AM

they are probably just trying to make conversation - assuming they live in the same neighborhood you're walking in. maybe they think you're new if they haven't seen you before?

either way, if you're uncomfortable - just think of a street name nearby. say, "oh, i live over on park street. how about you?"

it's not very likely they are going to ask for your house number or happen to live on the street you name!

gemy · 04-09-2010, 02:52 PM

I say near to here How about you?

TwoforFun · 04-09-2010, 04:24 PM

In my own world, WHY?!

My Sophia · 04-09-2010, 05:57 PM

the easiest way I've found to deflect a question that I think is too intrusive is to reply "why do you ask?" and not in a mean or suspicious way but in a genuinely curious tone that turns the focus of the conversation back to them and away from me. doing that puts me in charge of the conversation and their answer gives me a chance to determine if I want to share more personal information or steer the conversation to another subject.

LuvMyPuppE · 04-09-2010, 06:06 PM

i personally think it's a very common/innocent question to ask....and i'd be dumbfounded if someone said, "i don't want to share that" or just anything other than at least a vague answer/general area.

i would think it was really weird, but it would def. be a good way to end the conversation and get rid of my quick - mumbling "weiiiirdooo" as i left.

bfforever · 04-09-2010, 10:45 PM

When I am uncomfortable answering ANY personal question, my reply is, "Why do you want to know?? It puts the asker in the hot seat--they often reply,"I dunno." I usually just shrug in response to that.

JERSEY BOY · 04-10-2010, 04:27 AM

I remember the Dear Abby response " why do you ask" it's stops them every time. I was planning my daughter's wedding and this nosey body at work asked " how much are you paying for the wedding?" My response was why do you ask? she didn't know what to say because her only response could be because I'm nosey. It was funny watching her squirm

Lula-Mae Famous · 04-10-2010, 04:58 AM

I keep looking for the "like" button from facebook :P

I have asked people if they live "in town" but never where in town. It is in hopes that I will bump into them (and mostly their dog) again.

Love the answering a question with a question though... just as long as you are enjoying talking with this stranger and dont mind sticking around for the answer.
I'm starting to feel as though there are times where you have no other option than to be rude to some people. feel free to see my rant in the "i feel like venting" post :P

04-09-2010, 10:45 AM	#18
yorkiejunkie YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 468	"Over the mountains,♫ and thru the woods...♪ ♫" __________________ Bentley's Mommy is a Yorkie Junkie...

04-09-2010, 02:52 PM	#23
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,340 Blog Entries: 2	I say near to here How about you? __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

04-09-2010, 04:24 PM	#24
TwoforFun YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TX Posts: 646	In my own world, WHY?! __________________ XOXO JiJi , JiJa Lil' Man and Mommy

04-09-2010, 10:45 PM	#27
bfforever Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 171	When I am uncomfortable answering ANY personal question, my reply is, "Why do you want to know?? It puts the asker in the hot seat--they often reply,"I dunno." I usually just shrug in response to that. __________________ I still miss my doggies, but now I have Frankie

04-10-2010, 04:27 AM	#28
JERSEY BOY Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: sparta nj usa Posts: 3,800 Blog Entries: 1	I remember the Dear Abby response " why do you ask" it's stops them every time. I was planning my daughter's wedding and this nosey body at work asked " how much are you paying for the wedding?" My response was why do you ask? she didn't know what to say because her only response could be because I'm nosey. It was funny watching her squirm __________________ Laurie, Jersey Boy and Miss Brielle

04-09-2010, 10:49 AM	#20
shodanusmc BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,603	What was the question?

04-09-2010, 10:55 AM	#21
maryeverett1 BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 795	Love this thread and the answers are amazing!! I think my fav is "my mommy told me to not tell strangers where I live" or flipping the question into a question for them! I have to say I wish regard for manners was more important to people all the way around in life. I'm constantly shocked as an adult how little people regard good manners, simple kindness and etiquette in general! It is something I am a fanatic about with my girls ("how to raise a lady") It seems that people think more about manners when you are face to face. The Internet/online seems to be a whole other story! Thanks for sharing some fantastic options to a difficult situation!! Love YT!!

04-09-2010, 11:16 AM	#22
LuvMyPuppE Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: TN Posts: 200	they are probably just trying to make conversation - assuming they live in the same neighborhood you're walking in. maybe they think you're new if they haven't seen you before? either way, if you're uncomfortable - just think of a street name nearby. say, "oh, i live over on park street. how about you?" it's not very likely they are going to ask for your house number or happen to live on the street you name!

04-09-2010, 05:57 PM	#25
My Sophia YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Posts: 467	the easiest way I've found to deflect a question that I think is too intrusive is to reply "why do you ask?" and not in a mean or suspicious way but in a genuinely curious tone that turns the focus of the conversation back to them and away from me. doing that puts me in charge of the conversation and their answer gives me a chance to determine if I want to share more personal information or steer the conversation to another subject.

04-09-2010, 06:06 PM	#26
LuvMyPuppE Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: TN Posts: 200	i personally think it's a very common/innocent question to ask....and i'd be dumbfounded if someone said, "i don't want to share that" or just anything other than at least a vague answer/general area. i would think it was really weird, but it would def. be a good way to end the conversation and get rid of my quick - mumbling "weiiiirdooo" as i left.

04-10-2010, 04:58 AM	#29
Lula-Mae Famous YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 287 Blog Entries: 2	I keep looking for the "like" button from facebook :P I have asked people if they live "in town" but never where in town. It is in hopes that I will bump into them (and mostly their dog) again. Love the answering a question with a question though... just as long as you are enjoying talking with this stranger and dont mind sticking around for the answer. I'm starting to feel as though there are times where you have no other option than to be rude to some people. feel free to see my rant in the "i feel like venting" post :P __________________ ~ Miss Jessica & Miss Lula-Mae Famous ~