What is a nosey question?
Is there such a thing? Two people can feel totally differently about the same question. If you’re out of work you might not feel like answering “What do you do?” but if you love your job you’ll probably be delighted to talk. You may be happy to answer a question socially but feel reticent at work.
How many of these questions do you feel are nosey?
What’s your phone number?
What’s your boss like?
Are you in a relationship?
Do you have kids?
How much do you earn?
How old are you?
How do you vote?
We’re all different. People – especially difficult people – may not realise the effect of their question on you; similarly, think about how your questions may affect other people!
Have you ever….?
– Been at a party, social gathering or work and been asked a nosey question?
– Passed someone you know in the street or corridor when they’ve casually ask you a ‘nosey’ question and been caught off guard
– Spilled the beans about yourself or somebody else?
Look out for my next blog for tips about dealing with these difficult people in a polite, sensitive way – without giving away the information you’d rather keep to yourself.
