Some people just don’t know when to mind their own business. They ask personal questions, pry into things that don’t concern them, and act like they have a right to know everything.
But here’s the thing—just because someone asks doesn’t mean you have to answer. Setting boundaries is important, and sometimes, you need a way to shut down nosy questions without being rude (or at least, without causing unnecessary drama).
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to tell someone, *“That’s none of your business,”* while keeping things polite, firm, or even a little humorous. Here are seven excellent ways to do just that.
1) That’s private
Some people just don’t get the hint, so sometimes, the best approach is to be direct.
A simple *“That’s private”* lets them know that you’re not comfortable sharing without being rude or confrontational. It sets a clear boundary while keeping things short and to the point.
Most reasonable people will back off when they hear this. And if they don’t? Well, that says more about them than it does about you.
2) I’d rather not say
I remember once at a family gathering, a distant relative I barely spoke to asked me how much money I made. It caught me off guard, but instead of getting defensive or awkward, I just smiled and said, *“I’d rather not say.”*
No excuses, no over-explaining—just a simple statement that made it clear I wasn’t going to answer. And you know what? It worked. They moved on to another topic without pressing further.
Sometimes, the best way to shut down a nosy question is to keep it light and casual. Saying *“I’d rather not say”* keeps things polite while making it clear that the conversation isn’t going any further.
3) That’s not something I talk about
Not everything needs to be shared, and that’s completely okay. Saying, *“That’s not something I talk about,”* is a polite but firm way to shut down an intrusive question without leaving room for argument.
In many cultures, privacy is highly valued, and discussing personal matters—like finances, relationships, or health—is considered inappropriate. Yet, some people still feel entitled to information that doesn’t concern them. A simple phrase like this reminds them that not everything is up for discussion.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for keeping certain things to yourself.
4) Why do you ask?
Sometimes, the best way to handle a nosy question is to turn it back on the person asking. Responding with *“Why do you ask?”* puts them on the spot and forces them to think about whether their question was appropriate in the first place.
Often, people ask personal questions without realizing how intrusive they sound. By making them reflect on their own curiosity, you give them a chance to reconsider—and in many cases, they’ll drop the subject entirely.
If they do have a genuine reason for asking, this gives them a chance to explain. But if they’re just being nosy, they’ll likely realize it and back off.
5) I’m not comfortable talking about that
There are some topics that just feel too personal to discuss, even with people we’re close to. Saying, *“I’m not comfortable talking about that,”* is an honest way to set a boundary without being rude or dismissive.
There have been times when I felt pressured to answer questions I wasn’t ready to talk about—whether it was about family issues, past mistakes, or things I was struggling with. And for a long time, I felt like I had to come up with excuses or change the subject just to avoid answering.
But the truth is, you don’t need an excuse. If something makes you uncomfortable, that’s reason enough not to talk about it. The people who respect you will understand, and the ones who don’t? Well, that’s their problem.
6) That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?
Sometimes, people don’t realize they’re crossing a line until you point it out. Responding with *“That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?”* makes them pause and reconsider whether their question was appropriate.
This approach works well because it’s not aggressive, but it still makes it clear that they’ve stepped into uncomfortable territory. Most people will pick up on the hint and back off without you having to explain further.
And if they don’t? Well, at least you’ve made it clear that you’re not going to entertain their curiosity.
7) I prefer to keep that to myself
At the end of the day, you don’t owe anyone access to your personal life. Saying, *“I prefer to keep that to myself,”* is a simple, confident way to shut down intrusive questions without over-explaining or justifying your boundaries.
The key is to say it with certainty—no hesitation, no nervousness. When you show that you’re firm in your decision, most people won’t push any further.
Bottom line: your boundaries are yours to set
Privacy isn’t just a preference—it’s a fundamental part of human relationships. Psychologists emphasize that setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy interactions and protecting one’s well-being.
Yet, many people struggle with this, feeling obligated to answer questions just to avoid awkwardness. But the reality is, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for keeping certain things to yourself.
Boundaries are about self-respect. When you confidently assert them, you teach others how to treat you. And the people who truly value you will respect your limits—no justification needed.
