How to avoid an awkward question: 8 strategies with examples

Useful tips

The world is full of curious people!

Often they simply cannot help but stick their nose into something that is not their own business.

Still, life goes on

, and sometimes, as they say, you just have to go with the flow, even if you don't want to discuss your relationship status!

The status of your relationship is your business

(and your partner if you have one). But still, some people will try to satisfy their curiosity by interfering in your personal life.

If you're still single

, some people will ask you one way or another about the reason for this situation.

Here you will find a whole selection

funny and witty answers to the question: “Why are you not married.”

Answer a question with a question

Use your interlocutor's weapon and interrogate him with passion. For example, ask why he is asking and what will change your answer.

If you maintain friendly intonations, the degree of rudeness in this method is almost zero. At the same time, you squeeze the questioner out of your territory back to neutral. If you're lucky, the person will understand that the question is tactless.

— Are you going to buy an apartment at all, or will you continue to live in a rented apartment until you get old?

- Will my answer affect anything? Or why are you interested?

Types of compliments

Depending on the content, subtext and situation, compliments are divided into several types:

Open, sincere

This is a real gift for a girl. For example, the words “You are beautiful” said or written in a casual message can be considered sincere praise.

Hidden

The person really wants to say something nice, but is embarrassed. The phrase comes out with a hint. “The hair suits you.”

Duty

“You’re doing great! You look great as always!” such words are not sincere and are spoken out of politeness.

Business

This is praise from a boss to a subordinate in a dry, businesslike form. But such words are needed to raise the working spirit and enthusiasm.

Sexual

It is pronounced in a playful mood only to the woman you love.

You need to decide how to respond to a compliment, taking into account the type of praise and the recipient of the pleasant words.

The most popular response to praise is a modest “Thank you!” But most men are not happy with this answer. They make an effort, come up with nice words, but get nothing in return. Women should think about how to respond to a compliment in a beautiful, original way so that they can hear them every day.

Transform the question

An uncomfortable topic can be directed in the right direction if you clarify the subject of the conversation before you start answering. It is important to navigate quickly so that the interlocutor does not have time to bring you back.

- Do you have a groom, or will you die surrounded by cats?

- Do you mean that cats scare away suitors? What are you saying, my cats are very friendly, because I took them from a shelter. By the way, I advise you too, a cat is always useful on the farm. Moreover, the cats from the shelter are so grateful.

Correspondence

Communication on dating sites and Instagram requires a girl to know how to respond to a compliment to a man by correspondence. It is on the Internet that women receive a huge number of comments under VKontakte photos and sweet messages from fans. It is advisable to take phrase templates as an example and use them, adding something of your own and being creative.

Sample answers

To the photo:

It's a really great photo, but it's not perfect yet.
Besides my pretty face, I have a lot of talents.
Otherwise, I can’t do that yet!
If you're in love, write to me and I'll think about whether to answer.
Thank God, at least someone appreciated it!
This is me without makeup yet.

In SMS:

My deepest gratitude to you.
I try to be perfect in everything.
I'm still that little angel.
You underestimated me, maybe try again.
I think so too.

I’m glad that there are people who notice the beauty around them. Comments under photos on Odnoklassniki, VK, Instagram are a public action. It is worth a lot, a person has overcome his doubts, fears, and awkwardness. Even if you don’t like the boy, you don’t need to humiliate him or write nasty things, as they teach on the forums.

Pour water

Answer verbosely not to the question asked, but to one very close to it, keeping the main subject of the conversation unchanged. The method does not provide a 100% guarantee, since the interlocutor may not be so easily confused, but it works. At least among politicians.

If nothing comes to mind, start answering the question from afar. By the time you get to the point, the topic will fade away by itself.

- Why haven’t you been promoted yet? You've been working at this place for a very long time.

“As a child, I always looked at the adults who were returning from work in the evening, and thought that one day this would happen to me too. Then it seemed to me that this was great, because at work you don’t have to sleep and eat semolina porridge. What a fatal mistake!..

Answers with humor

The first reaction to a tactless question is shock and indignation. However, the person who asked it may not have done it to offend you or provoke a quarrel, but simply without thinking. Most often, this is the sin of friends and relatives, who are sure that we will always understand them correctly and will not be offended. To avoid conflict in such situations, try laughing it off:

What is this, an interrogation? I demand a lawyer!
How much do I get? Isn’t it only food that is given for work?
It's a secret. Can you keep secrets? I can do it too.
Of course, I can tell you, but after that I will have to kill you.
When will you get married? I probably won’t have time today. Maybe tomorrow.

This will throw the ball into your interlocutor’s half of the field. Let him now think about how to react to your joke.

Ask for advice

If you need to distract your interlocutor, give him the opportunity to talk about what he (in his opinion) understands. Ask for advice and listen carefully to the answer.

Just under no circumstances ask questions related to the main topic of the conversation. If you ask, for example, how to find a spouse, in response to the question why you are not married, then you run the risk of reporting at each meeting how the search is progressing. So switch your interlocutor to the most abstract topic possible.

— Are you going to look for a normal job or will you continue to freelance?

“For now, I’m preoccupied with the repairs.” By the way, you recently re-floored the rooms. Now is it really possible to cover the floor with a board or does it cost like a cast iron bridge? What did you choose? And why?

Flirty comebacks and remarks on the issue of marriage

Are you flirting with me now? If yes, then you are doing everything right. *bites lips*
It's because I haven't met you.
Well, where have you been all my life?
If you knock on the door of my heart, I can let you in.
Because you haven't put the ring on yet.
Well, what about you? If you agree(Sen), then maybe we are destined to be together!
Because you haven't asked me out yet.
It's because I'm still waiting for you. *wink*
Stop joking! We're already married, remember?!
I'm too expensive. But if you want, I'll give you a discount.
I'm still waiting for my Superman/Wonder Woman. Wait a minute, maybe you're my Superhero?
Come on, now slowly whisper this question in my ear again.
Because I've been waiting for you all my life.
I would hug and kiss you if you were lonely like me.

Laugh it off

Unless you're a sparkling stand-up comedian, it's best to prepare in advance. The irritating questions are usually the same, so you can come up with a witty answer to each and deliver it every time someone steps onto the slippery ground of tactlessness.

- Why don’t you have children?

- You know, I ask myself all the time, why don’t I have children. But in the end I can’t come to an agreement with myself, I quarrel and even stop talking to myself. Apparently, we will have to wait a little longer, otherwise we will have to part with ourselves on this basis.

Diplomatic responses

Sometimes inappropriate questions come from complete strangers, with whom, nevertheless, there is no need to spoil relations. And even more so, you shouldn’t satisfy their curiosity. Politely enough, but firmly, let them know that you do not intend to develop a discussion of the topic raised. Here's how you can answer:

I wouldn't like to talk about it.
Sorry, but this is personal.
Doesn't matter. Oh, well, what's the difference.
It's a long story.
Complex issue. I can’t answer it right off the bat.
Why are we all about me! Let's talk about you better.
Sorry, I can't tell you that. I hope you understand.

By the way, the phrase “I hope you understand” works wonders. It makes your opponent realize that you consider him a polite and tactful person who himself knows why you cannot carry on a conversation on the topic he has raised.

Your words will sound more kind if you say them with a smile.

Ignore the question

This option will require some acting skills on your part. Continue the conversation as if you didn’t hear the question. When the interlocutor repeats it, continue to pursue your line. Sooner or later he will get bored.

If you feel like you can’t handle it, avoid the question in the literal sense of the word. Say you need to go away for a minute. Come back with a prepared topic for conversation.

- When will you finally marry Masha?

- Sorry, just a second.

—Have you seen Tarantino's latest film?

What is a rude response to the phrase “well done”?

Despite the fact that this word denotes a friendly and approving attitude, some people prefer to be beautifully rude in response. This is partly due to the not quite decent rhyme for the word “well done.” What to say or write if you want to conduct a conversation in a similar vein? What is a rude response to the phrase “well done” ? Here are the options:

Well done in the stable, and I’m smart.
You underestimate me! How good am I to you? I'm just a genius! Can't you see?
I hear from a young man. Do you even know what these guys are doing?
Well, of course, I'm great! I'm not you!
Well, now that you’ve admitted that I’m great, you must admit that you’re a mediocrity who will never succeed.
For you - I tried to be a fool.
Same like that! I am just a product of uniqueness with incredible gifts. This is the work of the Lord. And mom and dad also tried.

Of course, it’s unpleasant to hear or see such words, for example, in a message. But each person chooses his own manner of communication, and if this is acceptable for you or at the moment you want to speak out this way, then go for it. Below are other possible answers. Read on.

What mistakes will lead to failure during an interview?

Template, generalized phrases. “I am highly qualified and proactive, I really want to get a job with you” - avoid template phrases and choose wording that will help you stand out among other applicants.

We recommend reading:

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4 things that will kill your career

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Excessive modesty . Don't just say right out of the gate that you are the best candidate. At the same time, an interview is not the time to be modest. In order not to seem overly modest, but also not to go too far, stick to the factual statement format. For example: “I received award A, achieved results B, and have N years of experience in the field.” You can also quote an ex-employer: “According to the head of company X, I...”.

Performance for half an hour or more. Your answer should not exceed 1–2 minutes, especially if there are no clarifying questions from the employer.

Anna:
“The answers “I don’t know”, “you know better”, “well, all past employers praised me”, “it’s not for me to evaluate myself” - will be losing. You are participating in negotiations, it is important for you to show that your “product” - skills, experience, motivation - satisfies the buyer’s need.”

Why does a person ask this question: reasons

In addition to the answer, many people want to understand why such a question was suddenly asked and what it means?

Friends whose company is doing well are unlikely to be interested in such topics. What sparked the dialogue about friendship, relationships and devotion? There are several options:

A person cannot understand whether he loves you or wants to be friends. By asking the question: “Why do you need me?”, the guy wants to understand your attitude and find reciprocity.
There is another person in your company to whom you pay more attention. A fairly common reason is that an “ex” friend is trying to get you back, which is why he asks such questions.
The guy wants to say that he needs you. He expects the same answer in the style: “I need you more than life!” and shows how important you are to him.
The guy has doubts about your fidelity. If some important secret or photo you posted is in the wrong place, your friend may think that you are making fun of him.
The guy is afraid to confess to you. In modern society, it is believed that open confession is too wrong and harsh. Therefore, you can resort to a simpler option.

In a long-term friendship, a guy or girl is ready to hide their feelings for a long time when communicating with you. They are afraid to confess and lose their better half, so they resort to indirect questions.

Talk about relationships

"Have a boyfriend?" What to say?

If you have a boyfriend, say yes, you do. But if you don't want to admit it because you want to hook up with this guy too, say no. Or, for example, Do you want to become one? For fun, you can also answer : What about you?

What to answer to your ex?

Ex-boyfriend texts you. What should I answer him? You're not sure. On the one hand, you want to send him away, on the other hand, you want to bring back the pleasant moments (even if you don’t admit it to yourself). What to do? If he wants to get you back, and you, in principle, admit this possibility, offer to meet and talk. Don't reveal your feelings. If you don’t want to see him, write that you are not ready to talk yet. And if you are already dating someone else and definitely don’t want your ex, tell him you’re happy and let him live his own life. Be the queen!

"I love you". What should I write in response?

If a guy confesses his feelings suspiciously easily, then keep in mind that his words may not be true. But if you love him and are confident in him, then answer I too (I love you). Otherwise, just say what you like.

Lots of statuses for you!

Funny responses to compliments

Perhaps one of them will make your counterpart smile.

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To tell the truth, in my previous life I was a terrible insect.
Oh, sorry, what? I was too busy thinking about how great I was.
I know.
It's hard to be such a sex symbol.
Mwahahahaha…. The human sacrifices I made have finally worked!
I finally found someone who agrees with my mom/dad.
Will you marry me?
I see that honesty is still the best policy.
It is my responsibility to spread beauty in the world.
Compliment accepted.
Stop it before I fall in love with you.
Nice to look at, nice to hold. But if you break it, consider it sold!
I'm glad I brightened your day.
Why? (This always takes people by surprise. Now they should tell you the real reason why they are praising you, if there is one).

Let's start the conversation first

What to write to a guy? What to write to a girl?

Go to his or her page. Look at the photos, study what the person is interested in. Perhaps you have some common interests. Here you can easily find a reason for a question that he will be interested in answering, and you will be interested in listening to the answer.

A good way to start a conversation is to simply write Hello. A person will look at your page and respond if he likes you.

You can leave a comment on a photo, this can also start a conversation. But if you're dating a girl, keep in mind that they're usually fed up with compliments.

What if we already know each other?

If you already know each other and have been communicating for some time, you can directly write that you want to meet, go somewhere (on a date). Being honest in expressing your feelings is the best way. But you also shouldn’t be boring, as if your whole life is now fixated on this person. It's good if you're passionate about something that you can talk about.

How not to react?

A good place to start is by understanding how not to answer:

Many, having heard laudatory speeches, begin to deny what was said to them: “What are you talking about, there is nothing special about this!” These are provocative actions that make you praise you again and again. Which can make your opponent feel awkward. Know how to accept praise with dignity.
Don't make excuses. You deserve the approval. And this dress that fits you so perfectly, or quitting smoking, which your friends appreciated, is your good work and attitude towards life.
Do not neglect, you may offend the speaker. There must be a reaction, even if you are extremely modest and uptight, respond. Smile, at least say: “Thank you!”
Don't go to extremes; excessive enthusiasm looks cute, but stupid. Stick to the middle ground.

Yes, sometimes after accepting a compliment, we don’t know what to do with it. There are too many emotions, and not enough.

Build a bridge

With this technique, you build a bridge from the question you asked to what you really want to talk about. This technique is similar to the question redirection technique, but the difference between the content of the question and the topic of your answer is much more significant.

If you've ever watched politicians debate on television, this method will seem familiar. The politician is asked about his position on the war, to which he will answer: “War, of course, is an important problem that must be solved. But what I really want to talk about is the issue of tax increases that my opponent raised.”

An answer constructed according to the “bridge” scheme can infuriate the opponent. So it is not recommended to use this technique to avoid really important questions.

conclusions

Fame does not come alone: surely someone will not like what you are doing, and he will rush to share his thoughts with you and with the whole world.
Working with comments is necessary first of all for you.
Never give in to emotions. Calm down and think before answering.
Different people have different motivations, including when writing comments. You will benefit greatly if you know why people respond the way they do and how best to respond.

It may seem that communicating with commentators is too difficult. Take it as a challenge. I assure you that this new activity will captivate you.

Dealing with Inappropriate Issues: The Art of Avoidance

Sometimes the questions are quite clear, but irrelevant, and you, for a variety of reasons, do not want to answer them in full. Then you will have to avoid a direct answer.

Avoiding direct answers has a very dubious reputation because it is associated with insincerity and manipulation. But sometimes you really can't give someone a straight answer because the information is confidential, touches on very sensitive topics, or is simply not intended for that audience. Here are the techniques we recommend using to successfully give evasive answers.