DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who constantly crosses my boundaries by asking intrusive, personal questions about things like financial matters. How do I address this without making it confrontational? -- Crossing the Line
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DEAR CROSSING THE LINE: Decide what you want to share with this friend and what is off limits. Take the time to think about this since it seems to come up a lot. Also think about why this person keeps asking. Are they naturally nosy? Do they want to help you? What is their motivation for the constant questioning?
Next time they come with the barrage of questions, stop them. Ask them “why” questions: Why are you asking me about this? Why do you want to know? Get them to open up and share what’s on their mind. People are generally so fixated on themselves that these answers are probably all about them. It could be that they are fascinated by how you live the life you do. They could be curious about how you are able to manage your expenses based on their perception of your income compared to theirs. They may be envious that you can afford things they cannot. Ask so that you can learn.
Even so, you do not have to answer. When questions come up that go past your comfort level, you can simply not respond. Allow silence to fill the space. You can say you do not want to talk about that. You can say that topic is off limits. You can ask them to stop with the inquisition. You don’t owe them anything.