profile

Jefferson Fisher

how to respond to inappropriate questions

Published almost 2 years ago • 1 min read
​

Hey Reader,

Someone just asked you an inappropriate question.

You feel uncomfortable and aren’t sure how to respond.

What do you say?

1: Say nothing and ignore it.

If you get an unwanted email, put it in the junk folder. If you get an unwanted call, you don’t answer it.

In the same way, you don’t answer inappropriate questions. You give it five or ten seconds of silence and then look at them as if, “Is that really what you’re going to ask me?”

Trust me. The silence is going to say more than anything your words can.

2: Ask, “Is this important to you?” or “Why should you know?”

I like to use these phrases because they’re a little more direct and give off the idea that you are not important enough to me for me to share this with you.

3: “I like to keep a little mystery.”

If you need to keep it lighthearted, pause and say this phrase.

They appreciate the humor and catch the drift that you’re not going to answer.

And that’s how to respond to an inappropriate question.

J

P.S. Sometimes the most powerful answer is the one you don’t give.

Silence can be your sharpest tool, especially when it leaves them questioning their own words.

*Sponsorship Transparency: I only recommend products we use and trust. If I wouldn’t put it in my own home, I won’t put it in yours. Simple as that.

Read all of my past emails here.

Inbox overloaded? Set your email frequency here.​

No longer want to hear from me? Unsubscribe.​

156 S. Main Street Ste 300 #769, Lumberton, TX 77657

​

Jefferson Fisher

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

Read more from Jefferson Fisher

Hey Reader, I sat down with therapist Matthias Barker last week to talk about repairing broken relationships. One thing stuck with me. You can do everything right and the outcome is still theirs to decide. You own your part. You apologize. You leave the door open. But you can't make someone walk through it. This is a tough lesson. And it runs through all three things today. Let's jump in. #1. From My Inbox: "Years ago I hurt my sister's feelings. I have sincerely apologized multiple times....

8 days ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, In today’s episode, I answer another round of listener questions. We talk about a husband who never stops talking, choosing phone calls over texts, setting boundaries with family, political disagreements, and expectations around money. Different people. Different relationships. But a lot of the same problem: How do you say what you need without pushing away the people you love? In this episode, you'll learn: How to interrupt someone who talks too much without starting a fight What...

10 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, The back to school countdown is officially on around our house. We're squeezing in every last pool day, staying outside a little longer, and enjoying the slower pace before backpacks replace beach towels. I hope you're finding time to enjoy the season you're in before the next one begins. Let’s jump in to this week’s 3 things: #1. From My Inbox: “I am an extrovert, and my wife is an introvert. Often, she clams up and will not even respond to me. What tips do you have to help...

15 days ago • 2 min read