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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: |
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. |
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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
"Not too far. Where do you live?":D |
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... |
This is a good topic. I like all the responses so far! :) |
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I'd say, oh I live out of town, just here visiting some friends! :D:p |
"Over the mountains,♫ and thru the woods...♪ ♫" :D :D |
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What was the question? |
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!! |
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! |
I say near to here How about you? |
In my own world, WHY?!:D |
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. |
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. |
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 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:) |
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 |
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