What should I say to stop an inquisitive friend from asking prying questions, without starting a fight with her?

I’d say, “No offense, but I’d rather not go into it.” Of course that may not be enough to get her to stop asking questions. Curiosity is a great quality as long as it’s not motivated by the desire to gossip.

“I don’t feel comfortable discussing that. Thanks for understanding.”

Many times when someone is straightforward with no beating around the bush, they like to be treated that way. You may be worried that you’re going to hurt her feelings, only to discover that she’ll just drop it if you ask.

I’d rather not discuss that.

I’m sorry, but I’d rather not discuss that.

That’s a personal matter.

That’s a personal matter; not open for discussion.

That’s a private matter. I can’t talk about it. (repeat as necessary, offering no more information and no excuse).

A friend of ours, a psychologist, was visiting and suggested a game for my kids. They were to ask for something from the other, and not take no for an answer.

It was fascinating. My son was really good at this. My daughter had the hardest time saying no. My son would give excuse after excuse, and she would backpedal, tiny step by tiny step, until she nearly gave up the beans.

On average, women have a harder time saying no. Men are more likely to feel entitled to answers. Women feel less entitled to keep things private. Perhaps just knowing this will help you remind yourself it is ok to say no.

“I don’t want to get into that.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable with your questions.”

I don’t want to talk about it. End of.

I second @stardust….when someone brings up anything I don’t want to discuss, regardless of the reason, I say “look, I just don’t want to talk about that right now. Sorry.”

One of my friends kept bringing up my ex boyfriend who I’d just broken up with. I kept saying “SERIOUSLY? PLEASE STOP! DO YOU WANT ME TO START CRYING HERE IN FRONT OF ALL THESE PEOPLE?” It was so frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nyet?

“I like and want to continue to be friends, but honestly, you ask too many personal questions”.

When someone asks me about something I don’t want to talk about, I just act unmoved and give a vague answer and casually change the subject, so then they won’t be able to find out what they’re after without making a big deal out of it.

“Oh I don’t want to talk about that, let’s talk about something else”.

If it’s bothering you don’t worry about making her mad. Tell her that you value her friendship, but the nosy questions have to stop.

Give her a quick, but unrevealing response, and then quickly change the subject to a topic you know she wouldn’t like or be interested in. Most people will quickly disappear when I do this. This tactic usually works for me anyways.

lemming I second that strategy! Good one.

Counter every question with a question of your own.