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ANNOYING: The nosiest questions people can ask

We've all had people -- whether they be friends, neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances -- ask us downright nosy questions that border on inappropriate.

Here's a sampling of questions that might make you flinch:


  • How much money do you make?
  • How much money do you have saved up?
  • How much did you pay for your home?
  • At what age did you lose your virginity?
  • Do you and your spouse/partner have a healthy sex life?
  • Do you and your spouse/partner fight a lot?
  • When are you going to have kids? (I addressed this one in a post this morning -- Are parents envious of the childfree?)
  • What health issues do you have?
These are the kinds of questions I'd expect a shrink to ask of me, not Joe in accounting or the old lady who lives two houses down. 

The worst offenders are the people who pry into your personal life, yet fail to divulge such details about their own lives. 

If you ever run into a person like this, don't be afraid to politely change the subject. Or, just for kicks, try turning the question on them and seeing if they'll furnish an answer first. Sharing any of these private details can backfire in innumerable ways. For one, if your relationship with that person ever goes sour, they may decide to get back at you by passing that information on, or, worse, spreading rumors about you. You just never know whom you can trust. 

People need to mind their manners. No one should have to provide personal information they feel uncomfortable disclosing. It doesn't mean you have to be rude to or unfriendly with these people, but send the signal -- however subtle -- that you don't want to open up that way. If it means they won't talk to you anymore, then so be it. You don't need people like that in your life anyway. 

Have you confronted such nosy individuals? What's your tolerance level for them? Are there any questions you feel should be added to the list?

For more posts, please click here: How to Understand People
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