How to Deal with Nosey People

When someone is being nosy, it can also be said that they are dipping their noses in your kool-aid! (Kool-aid is a slang term for the word 'your business.') Frequent intrusive questions are frustrating. Nosy people are notorious for asking questions to gather information, inspire a creative insult or to invent an occasion to behave like a green peacock during a pride filled display fancy feathers. If a question brings you discomfort, it is time to be assertive and take measures to protect your privacy.

Some people insist that nosy people are simply trying to connect and make conversation. Others excuse a nosy person's behavior by suggesting that nosy people are lonely. However, there are occasions when certain questions are seriously intrusive.

That said, privacy is important. We all have things we would rather keep to ourselves or share only with the special people in our lives. Certainly no one should have to tolerate questions that are annoying and unproductive. Rude behavior is a challenge. If inappropriate questions make you uncomfortable, employing techniques designed to help you communicate with a nosy person can help you to protect your privacy, and your peace.

• It is not your job to educate or enlighten people about their rude behavior. It is your job to notice when a person's line of questioning makes you feel uncomfortable. If you need to express your discomfort, share that you tend to be a private person and advise the individual that their question is disturbing. If the response is anger, simply remember that rudeness is something a person has to work out on their own.

• Wear them out. Let them try to pump out the information they want while you share vague replies.

• Let your facial expressions do the talking. Often, one look is worth a thousand words.

• Keep your blood-pressure low. If you get angry, they have already managed to get under your skin.

• Have faith. Remember, God knows everything and He still forgives us.

• Redirect the conversation to a less personal topic.