How do you react to "may I ask you something personal"?

Question

provokeesmokee · Accepted Answer

Cautious optimism.

I'm visibly queer and vocal about it. I'm also open about my mental illness and therapy. And about being childfree.

I often find people who ask me that are genuinely curious and come from a place of wanting to understand.

But it's also very possible to interact with bad actors. So if I feel uncomfortable, I shut the question down.

I've made the decision to be open about much of my experiences because others being open about that with me is what led me to get the help and resources I didn't know I needed.

I'm paying it forward by having the courage to answer those questions openly if I feel safe to do so.

Cynicaldreamer · Accepted Answer

I cringe because it's usually a stupid or awkward question (and yes, it usually is, based on my past experiences).

I'll... cautiously ask what, and answer at my discretion. As long as it's not too personal, I'll answer most questions.

Unit1 · Accepted Answer

Well, they are polite about it and unlikely to attack me for what they would like to know. It's a Good social ability.

Yannae · Accepted Answer

"Ask away." I just hope it's not related to sex or I'll be disappointed.

WillowofFeathers · Answer

I’m my experience it’s usually not that personal when someone starts out by asking that. Often it’s something which is on the border between too personal and okay to ask. And often I feel it’s used to ask politely about something that could be viewed as personal by some people.

msmissydc · Answer

"Go ahead ask the question. I decide if its too personal after hearing it." I AM curious about the question.

SquishyBuns2628 · Answer

I say sure go ahead but is it something that'll hurt my feelings first or hurt you when and if I answer?

Siri137 · Answer

My usual response is "no, you cannot".

sheikalana · Answer

I always look skeptical and assume they're going to ask me something a bit too personal that I do not wish to answer.

ChicoFromThe305 · Answer

I always say "yea sure go ahead" my curiosity always gets the best of me, I'm sure yours would too

exitseven · Answer

I would agree to it. If it eas too personal I would not answer.

loveslongnails · Answer

I respond, not react, by saying "you can ask, doesn't mean I'll answer".

shades777 · Answer

I would just ask if, because if I got answer in that exact wording I'd say no just because you made it an option

gta_fan · Answer

I always say 'depends on how personal, if I feel it's too personal I won't answer' and it also depends who's asking (is it a friend, co-worker, boss, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, doctor)

Likes2drive · Answer

I usually say, go ahead because I don’t have much to hide or embarrass easily

Anonymous · Answer

Like this, "You can always ask me something personal. Doesn't mean you'll get an answer though".🙂

HelpfulWoman · Answer

*internally* "oh god, here comes the creepiness

Nikki1989 · Answer

Depends on who is asking.

sage2021 · Answer

I just say it depends on what you're going to ask.

WhitneySnow · Answer

“Sure, but I may not answer.”

Jennz6 · Answer

Absolutely. I don’t have anything to hide

clearskiess · Answer

I'm like "here we go again..."

AmeerX · Answer

Yeah sure, what's on your mind

Kelly6 · Answer

yes sure

How do you react to "may I ask you something personal"?

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