How to politely tell someone "it's none of your business."

[Jennasis]

Q: "Why were you in the hospital?"....

A: "I can't get enough of that cafeteria food!"

A: "Trying to meet a handsome doctor."

A: "Candystriping."

A: "I'm a secret shopper...for hospitals."

A: "72 hour mandatory PSYCHE hold." Then just stare creepily at them.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Laughingly respond:

"My Mama (or insert other relative) always taught me to never discuss religion, politics or my health in polite company." Then change the subject.

Or "The Great Pumpkin"

 

[ronandannette]

Q: "Why were you in the hospital?"....

A: "I can't get enough of that cafeteria food!"

A: "Trying to meet a handsome doctor."

A: "Candystriping."

A: "I'm a secret shopper...for hospitals."

A: "72 hour mandatory PSYCHE hold." Then just stare creepily at them.

The psych hold one actually has potential...thanks!

 

[Shanti]

Some individuals like to over-share their ailments, including hang nails and root canals. Others are very private people and don't want everyone to know their business, such as why they've been in the hospital.

What's a good way to tell someone to stop being so nosey?

"I'd rather not discuss it, but I appreciate your concern."

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I remember when I first got married eveyone kept asking when I was going to have a baby. Finally one of my friends told me to say, "how do you know I am not trying but having a problem. Now you've made me feel even worse!! " It worked like a charm they never asked again and most of the time they left the room with a red face and muttering an apology. It was GREAT!! I love turning the tables on rude people.

 

[Wishing on a star]

If I didn't want someone to ask something personal about me, they wouldn't have any information to ask the question

I have to agree with this!!!
Information is power...
There are those people that I and DH have learned to just keep silent, and don't let them in on anything.

Sometimes, the information is a little more obvious and widely known. So, it is not like it is a big private secret.
Sometimes the person(s) who are on a need-to-know basis just can't or WON'T keep their mouths shut.
But, other than those kinds of situations, I SO very much agree.
If one is heard/overheard saying... "I am going into hospital (was in the hospital) for 4 days..." then, it becomes Open-Season!!!!

If it were to happen that, even after my best efforts, the wrong persons were asking such personal questions, I would have no problem letting them know, very simply and directly, but in a non-confrontational way... "I feel like that is just my own personal business...." Lather, rinse, repeat.

Sometimes the semantics can make a difference.
If one uses the word "YOU", or "YOUR" instead of 'I'.... As in "Why would you need to know???" Then that is continuing to involve them and engage them... It would also very likely be seen as stand-offish at the least, and confrontational at the worst.

 

[7165red]

"Why do you ask?"

Turn it around on them and let them feel the embarrassment.

I like that answer.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I remember when I first got married eveyone kept asking when I was going to have a baby. Finally one of my friends told me to say, "how do you know I am not trying but having a problem. Now you've made me feel even worse!! " It worked like a charm they never asked again and most of the time they left the room with a red face and muttering an apology. It was GREAT!! I love turning the tables on rude people.

An acquaintance asked a similar question and I told her I'd just had a miscarriage (true.) She was really embarrassed but tried to turn it on me for not telling her I had been having infertility problems in the first place.

I have to agree with this!!!
Information is power...
There are those people that I and DH have learned to just keep silent, and don't let them in on anything.

Sometimes, the information is a little more obvious and widely known. So, it is not like it is a big private secret.
Sometimes the person(s) who are on a need-to-know basis just can't or WON'T keep their mouths shut.

Yes, I really don't like the blabbermouths. They might as well post my private business on Facebook. Any suggestions on how to stop the know-it-all-tell-it-all people?

 

[Rhie]

"I'm sorry but that's none of your business"
"I'd really rather not say"
"I appreciate your concern, but I prefer to discuss that with a professional."

Depending on how nice I am feeling and who I am talking to, I use one of the above.