Leaving an inconvenient question unanswered

Endless what, where, when, with whom, how, why. There is neither the power nor the desire to answer, especially the one who asks these questions. Culture, the status of the interlocutor, our own principles or whatever else does not allow us to determine how to answer. Nor is it possible to remain silent. Of course, they won't, but there may be consequences. So what should you do? How can you avoid answering an awkward question nicely and without consequences?

There are many situations where awkward questions are asked. Ask them if they are closely related to your own e.g. "When should I get married?", "When should I have a baby?" etc. Curious neighbours: "New car? Where did you get the money?", "I came home late last night. Where were you?" Colleagues: "New clothes?", "Where were you this weekend?", "Where were you on holiday?". At a job interview: "When are you going on maternity leave?", "What are your plans for your personal life?". Some of these may be ignored, others may be said to be irrelevant, and still others you may have to answer. For example:

If the question allows, answer the part that does not violate privacy boundaries. Or move on to another topic. An anecdote is a great illustration of the technique:

A student is taking an exam in zoology. He only knows about fleas. During the exam he gets a question about dogs. 

The student starts: 

- Dogs are fur-covered mammals. They have fleas in their fur... (all about fleas). 

Instructor: 

- Okay, young man, tell us about cats.

Student: 

- Cats are mammals covered with fur. They have fleas in their fur... (all about fleas). 

Teacher: 

- Let's talk about fish. 

Student: 

- Fish are not mammals. They have no hairs. They are covered in scales, but if they did, they would have fleas inside them.....

Lead a long monologue about everything and nothing. Such monologues work particularly well if you say them as boringly as possible, stretching out the words and pausing between sentences. You can start off far away, but you usually end up going in a different direction. As a result, the interlocutor will either forget what you are asking and leave you alone for a while with your questions, or if you are persistent and have a good memory, you will ask the question again and demand an answer. In the latter case, you can rest assured that at least you tried.

The Jewish trick of answering a question with a question works well in most cases. If abused, especially in the case of a particular person, it may not work. If the person you are talking to gives in and starts to answer your question, the dialogue can continue, "Why are you asking?", "Why now?", "What are you going to do?", "What will this lead to?".

- Getting the other person's opinion on the question asked is also a great technique. "What do you think?" or "What do you think?" - If it works, nodding and nodding in response can lead to a lengthy conversation and you can get a lot of useful information at the same time. The key is to agree regularly and remember to say "I think so too! This technique is also good because it boosts your interlocutor's confidence and makes him or her believe that you are a great person. People like to be asked for their opinion.

It's a masterstroke to turn a question into a joke. But you have to be careful with it and have a very good sense of humour. Under no circumstances should you use black humour that implies something inappropriate. And above all: the joke or anecdote must not offend or embarrass the person you are talking to. 

Avoidance is an art. However, these techniques should not be used constantly. Someone will be offended and someone will stop talking to you. It's best to make it clear to the interviewer that your question is uncomfortable, too personal and that you don't want or are unwilling to answer. This is more honest and makes it clear that you should not be approached with such questions.

Photo: dreamstime.com

I thank God for his help in writing this article, and you, dear readers, praise him if your reading has been helpful to you.

I want to know your opinion.

If you are interested in my content,then I invite you to read my other articles:

https://read.cash/@Belozoriana/onion-and-garlic-jam-f71c50ef

https://read.cash/@Belozoriana/forest-glade-themed-cake-b6adf80b

https://read.cash/@Belozoriana/we-eat-to-live-not-live-to-eat-5fc88f83

https://read.cash/@Belozoriana/choice-or-a-reaction

https://read.cash/@Belozoriana/gravlax-or-they-are-not-rolls-fb460b64

Good luck to you readers read.cash🖐

18.02.2022.

@Belozoriana