Aren't there some questions you hate answering (or being put in a position where if you don't answer, you'll be perceived as rude)? That's annoying as hell, and boundaries can and should matter. For the record, I dislike having to repeat myself a million times, so hearing, "Can you say that again?" is enough to make me roll my eyes so hard that they'll disappear into the back of my head.
But believe it or not, there are people who get more annoyed than I ever possibly can. That's what we found out after Redditor AsontiRelay asked the online community,
"What question do you hate being asked?"
"Every time I get asked this..."
"'When are you two having children?'
Every time I get asked this I make sure to give them an answer as passive-aggressive as possible or just plain make them uncomfortable."
Launching into your complete medical history might make them be quiet. How rude!
"I always feel..."
"What do you like to do for fun?
I always feel so lame. I like to listen to podcasts and take naps in my free time."
You might as well own it. Besides, that's what a lot of people have done during the pandemic!
"I was born deaf..."
"I was born deaf in only one ear and I hate it when people ask me to close my other ear to see if I'm actually deaf in the one."
"If I knew..."
"'When will you get better?'
If I knew, trust me, I would have told you. I would have a big calendar on my wall to count down until then.
I've been chronically ill for 9/10 years (I'm 19) so I've been asked this question a painful amount of times."
Illness can strike at any time, and those who still have functioning bodies don't know how lucky they are.
"Well, actually..."
"Why have you only got one kid?
Well actually I had two but my daughter died when she was two days old and I've had several miscarriages. I'm lucky to have the son I have.
In other words, mind your own business."
Feeling pressured to revisit that trauma everytime you're asked that question must be very upsetting.
"I dunno."
"How are you still single?!"
I dunno. Because I'm an introvert and despite you asking me this question you've never once even attempted to introduce me to any of your single lady friends."
Things That Are Normal Where You Live But Crazy Anywhere Else | George Takei’s Oh Myyy
"Because I'm listening..."
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
Because I'm listening to you talk, paying attention. Just because I'm quiet doesn't mean there's something wrong with me. Why won't the world leave us alone?"
Because it's an extroverts' world and introverts are just living in it. It blows.
"Apparently..."
"Where are you really from?"
Apparently, I don't look like a German. So far I got told that I look like an Afghan, Russian, Italian, North African, Croatian, Greek, but in no way am I German. Sometimes it's the skin, other times it's the hair or my face."
"I am a private person..."
"Do you have a partner?/Are you married?"
I am a private person and I get asked these questions by customers at work. I'm not sure what that has to do with purchasing this item."
Having also worked retail before, I am no stranger to these startlingly inappropriate questions. Damn, my guy, I'm just trying to bag your stuff! Leave me alone!
"Jeez..."
"Why do you want to work for our company?
Jeez dude, I just want a job."
Moral of the story: Think before you speak. Otherwise, mind your business. It really shouldn't be this difficult. Unfortunately, some people appear only to be capable of learning after suffering public embarrassment. I have to admit: Calling someone out or putting them on the spot can feel very, very good.
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us all about them in the comments below!
@kileywrestling/Bluesky
