Few things are as annoying -- and as difficult to deal with -- as someone who asks nosy, prying questions. Some people just seem to think it is their right to ask questions about your personal life, your finances or your work. Not only that, but these people often seem to think you are somehow obliged to tell them what they want to know. The person might be a neighbor, a coworker or a friend. She can be well meaning, neutral or deeply competitive. Whoever she is, you need strategies for getting around her. You may have to hurt her feelings, but protecting your privacy is more important.
Deflect the nosy person with the use of jokes, sarcasm or other comments to keep from answering the question. Since the nosy person is being rude by asking the question, you don't necessarily have to be nice. However, most people will be hurt if they are deflected rudely, so take that into consideration.
Turn away from the person and focus on something else. Give one-word answers. In other words, ignore him. Do not engage him in conversation, and hopefully, this will get him to stop his line of questioning.
Redirect the person by asking her questions in response, such as why she wants to know or needs to know. Simply state that you are taking care of the situation, and that should be good enough information for her to get by.
Use direct, but firm comments to tell the person you are not interested in answering the question. If the person cannot take the hint, directly addressing the situation may be your only option. State that you are uncomfortable talking about the subject and would prefer it if he would let the matter drop.
Remove yourself from the situation. Do not get into a long conversation with the nosy person. State how you feel about having the conversation, how you would prefer if she didn't ask any more questions and then walk away. Do not try to salvage the conversation. Let her think about what you said and how her actions have hurt you.
Related Articles
How to Respond to a Compliment From a ...
How to Explain Something Clearly
How to Apologize to Someone Who Hates ...
How to Deal With Someone Who Accuses ...
How to React to a Friend Who Hurts Your ...
Components of Effective Communication
How to Comfort Someone Over the Phone
How to Apologize to People You Hurt ...
How to Keep Someone From Monopolizing a ...
How to Apologize to Your Brother for ...
How to Know if I'm Annoying the Guy I ...
How to Nicely Let Someone Know That ...
How to Get Over Shyness When Talking to ...
How to Convey Empathy
How to Confront Someone When You ...
How Do I Curdle Soy Milk With Lemon ...
How to Nicely Tell People to Stop ...
How to Approach a Guy You Like But ...
How to Locate a Person Using an Arrest ...
How to Make Amends for Mistakes
Writer Bio
Lynda Lampert began writing professionally in 2000 with the publishing of her romance novel, "My Lady Elizabeth." Her work has also appeared in the "Pittsburgh Tribune Review." Lampert obtained an associate's degree in nursing from Mercyhurst College Northeast.
Photo Credits
Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images