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-   -   What's a polite way to not answer a question? (https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/general-yorkshire-terrier-discussion/201377-whats-polite-way-not-answer-question.html)

Sookie 04-09-2010 07:34 AM
What's a polite way to not answer a question?
 
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. :confused:

bchgirl 04-09-2010 07:36 AM
Don't be specific when they ask...

A block over...down the street...in the neighborhood are all non-specific answers....and it doesn't hurt to switch your reply into a question for them.
Oh I live in the neighborhood....how long have you lived here? Something like that.

ArmaniMan 04-09-2010 07:37 AM
I would try being so general that they get the point that you don't want to answer, like "in the area". Most people will get the idea... if they dont you could make a joke "pick up said yorkie and pretend to be talking for the yorkie "my mommy told me not to tell Strangers where I live" Otherwise you may just have to say "I dont feel comfortable answering that". Good Luck.

Nancy1999 04-09-2010 07:41 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sookie (Post 3076824)
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. :confused:
I remember reading once that the polite way to avoid a question was to ask another question. Depending on what is asked you can say, "Why do you want to know", or "Why on earth would you ask something like that?" My guess is that after talking with you, they've enjoyed their little chat, and just want to see you again, so you can be vague and just point in a direction or give a street name, and ask where they live.

maxmom 04-09-2010 07:42 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sookie (Post 3076824)
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. :confused:
Don't blame you, I feel the same way. I always answer..around the corner.

TresCutePiggies 04-09-2010 07:43 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3076840)
I remember reading once that the polite way to avoid a question was to ask another question. Depending on what is asked you can say, "Why do you want to know", or "Why on earth would you ask something like that?" My guess is that after talking with you, they've enjoyed their little chat, and just want to see you again, so you can be vague and just point in a direction or give a street name, and ask where they live.
I've read this same thing. Answer a question you don't want to answer with a question directed at them. I think it was Dear Abby. ;)

I always just give very vague answers when people ask me questions I don't want to answer (or even act like I don't understand what they are asking) and then smile. That seems to do the trick, and I don't feel as rude as if I said none of your business!

Nancy1999 04-09-2010 07:45 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TresCutePiggies (Post 3076844)
I've read this same thing. Answer a question you don't want to answer with a question directed at them. I think it was Dear Abby. ;)

I always just give very vague answers when people ask me questions I don't want to answer (or even act like I don't understand what they are asking) and then smile. That seems to do the trick, and I don't feel as rude as if I said none of your business!
I always thought you were young, I guess not huh? :D

TresCutePiggies 04-09-2010 07:46 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3076846)
I always thought you were young, I guess not huh? :D
I read Miss Manners too! :D

yoursotino 04-09-2010 07:47 AM
You just cant be to careful
 
I know I have decided that I have to be weird cause I worry about that stuff to. It makes really hard to sell puppies when you hate to say where you live.

Nancy1999 04-09-2010 07:48 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TresCutePiggies (Post 3076848)
I read Miss Manners too! :D
I loved Miss Manners, and now that you mention it I'm pretty sure she wrote that, don't know who wrote it first.

Nancy1999 04-09-2010 07:51 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by yoursotino (Post 3076850)
I know I have decided that I have to be weird cause I worry about that stuff to. It makes really hard to sell puppies when you hate to say where you live.
Breeders do have special problems, and I recommend you get to know people on the phone, and have references before you let them visit your home. After all, you don't want to give a puppy to someone who you wouldn't allow in your home, so you want to know these people first.

Mardelin 04-09-2010 07:51 AM
The easiest way to answer is honestly; I've been asked the same question when I've walked my dogs....so, I usually just say.....I'd prefer not to answer that, as we've just met.

yorkieusa 04-09-2010 10:06 AM
"Not too far. Where do you live?":D

livingdustmops 04-09-2010 10:28 AM
How about if you carry business cards with your phone number only.

You could say you are just visiting a friend and needed to walk your dogs.

You could say you live a couple of blocks over and if they press you, hand them a business card with only your phone number...Of course now days anyone can google this info...so maybe you just put your website down...

Cerise 04-09-2010 10:37 AM
This is a good topic. I like all the responses so far! :)


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