Like it or not, the chances are good that when you are in a social situation, you will most likely get asked a few embarrassing questions that come off as a bit rude or insensitive. Sometimes you can plan on it. Every year you can be prepared that right in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner Uncle Jerry will undoubtedly ask if you’ve found a job yet and Aunt Sally will quickly follow-up with “Are you still single?”.
Other times it might catch you off guard. The clerk at the grocery store takes the opportunity to loudly count your children and make sure that they are all yours or a colleague feels the need to ask how much you paid for your brand new car.
No matter the situation, these types of questions can cause us to feel uncomfortable and leave us scrambling for an answer. Though there are a few people who are just flat-out rude when they probe us for answers, the majority of people are just trying to make small talk. Most likely, they don’t even realize that they have hit a nerve in us with their questions. Because of this, we need to show them grace even though we may not feel like it.
It can help to have a response ready for the most embarrassing questions. Being prepared will prevent you from scrambling to find an answer or lashing out with a rude response in return. We’ve come up with a few responses to some of the most commonly asked questions. The responses might sound a bit trite, but remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your actions. A simple answer will do. And, a simple answer that directs them towards God is even better!
If you’re having trouble actually believing in the responses we’ve provided and trusting in God with your future, say a prayer that your heart will follow your words. If you choose to respond in this way, offer it up as a prayer. These words have the power to both transform your heart and evangelize to those who are doing the asking.
Godly Responses To The 12 Most Asked Rude Questions
Reflect:
What is it that is really bothering you when someone asks this question?
Are you overly sensitive because of your own insecurities when it comes to this issue? If yes, ask God to guide you and fill you with His Holy Spirit in order that you may overcome your difficulties.
How can you show charity in all situations?
Saintly Advice For When People Are Rude To You
“These are the few ways we can practice humility: To speak as little as possible of one’s self.To mind one’s own business.Not to want to manage other people’s affairs.To avoid curiosity. To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully. To pass over the mistakes of others. To accept insults and injuries.To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked. To be kind and gentle even under provocation. Never to stand on one’s dignity. To choose always the hardest.” ― St. Teresa of Calcutta
“That joke, that witty remark held on the tip of your tongue; the cheerful smile for those who annoy you; that silence when you’re unjustly accused; your friendly conversation with people whom you find boring and tactless; the daily effort to overlook one irritating detail or another in the persons who live with you… this, with perseverance, is indeed solid interior mortification. Don’t say: ‘That person gets on my nerves.’ Think: ‘That person sanctifies me.’ ” – St. Josemaria Escriva
“I know when I show charity to others, it is simply Jesus acting in me, and the more closely I am united to Him, the more dearly I love my Sisters.” – St. Therese of Lisieux
We want your advice! What questions would you add to our list? What charitable responses have you found helpful?
