Very often we have to find ourselves in a situation where answering a question asked by an interlocutor is awkward and unpleasant due to the context. These can be questions about personal life, religion, mistakes of the past and many other things dear to a person. What to do if being rude is not an option?
Rehearsal before the interrogation
If an event has happened in your life, after which, with a probability of 99%, you will find yourself in the spotlight and be inundated with questions, it is worth considering an answer strategy in advance. Scroll through your mind the most sensitive and unpleasant of the questions and “rehearse” their answers. The best outcome is for them to be neutral in color. Do not lie or even embellish – stay polite.
If the question concerns a person you know, whose personal life you do not want to disclose, answer: “As far as I know, everything is fine with him. I think he would be happy to talk to you. By the way, how long have you been on the phone?” Most likely, the conversation will quickly flow in a different direction.
Don’t reveal unnecessary details. They can cause a wave of additional questions for clarification, and this will only delay the discussion of a topic that is unpleasant for you. A small phrase, and sometimes a simple “yes”, is something that will satisfy each side of the conversation.
Don’t get involved in a dispute
Guests of most feasts cannot do without discussion. Sometimes the opposing sides are unable to find new arguments to express their innocence and “trump cards” are used: the surrounding people. Basically, it starts with such phrases: “Am I wrong, tell me?”. What to do if you don’t want to offend anyone and get involved in an argument with your opinion? There are several options for the development of events. First: “I don’t really understand what this is about. I don’t want to speak out against the truth.”
Avoid developing unnecessary conversations
It also happens that lovers of gossip gather in one company. In this case, it is almost impossible to avoid stupid talk about someone else’s life. If some people like to think about certain processes taking place around strangers, then others are frankly annoyed by this. If you do not want to take part in such events, we advise you to say directly: “I don’t care much about her life. Let’s discuss what’s new with you.”
If the situation is my fault
The situation in which you do not want to discuss something because you are clearly wrong and are afraid of condemnation is standard. Fortunately or unfortunately, all people make mistakes. It takes a lot of courage to admit your mistakes. Agree, it’s unpleasant when you were offended by a person dear to your heart, who, moreover, does not want to admit his guilt in what he did, avoiding conversation in every possible way. There is no need to be such a person yourself and evade an honest conversation.
Fear of responsibility
Another way that people refuse to talk is the understanding of the responsibility that they will have to take on. Don’t be afraid to talk about your thoughts and desires. If you don’t like something, it’s best to say so directly. When the burden of responsibility is unavoidable anyway, don’t avoid it. Accept with dignity.
In general, verbal communication is the best form of human interaction. Sometimes we complicate the simplest situations by keeping silent about our position and hiding our own desires. If you don’t like a topic, sometimes the best way out of the situation can be direct: “I don’t want to discuss it.” Straightforwardness is not always a synonym for rudeness when it comes to personal boundaries and peace of mind.
