How do you respond to questions in casual conversation?
By sashakiddo
@sashakiddo (1102)
United States
April 16, 2011 1:30am CST
People ask questions for various reasons - to find out information, to start conversation, to annoy people, to deceptively find out information... etc.
When people ask you questions, do you pay attention to the purpose of the question, or do you answer to the best of your ability? What if you don't know the purpose of the question?
Sometimes I really have a hard time answering questions because I am trying to figure out the reasons. Is this person being intrusive or am I just being too suspicious? Should I share my thoughts freely, and if I do will they use that against me?
Other times I say whatever is on my mind, and let them use my answer for whatever purpose they like.
14 responses
@enchantmenot (4)
•
16 Apr 11
That's a pretty interesting question!
I feel that i'm good at interpreting what people mean when they ask a question, whether there's an alterier motive, or they are genuinely interested in finding out about something. Depending on what I think they're agenda is, I respond to their question.
If i feel there is a less-than-honest alterior motive, I will likely respond with the most basic, or simplest answer I can - such as one with very little information, or simply just say "I don't know".
If it's a genuine question, then I reply as I normally would - providing as much information that I can.
@gelayagui98 (1336)
• Australia
16 Apr 11
Hmmn.....maybe just like doing conversation with my children. I'm not minding it so important. Sometimes I gave answer without thinking, lol.
@sashakiddo (1102)
• United States
18 Apr 11
that can be beneficial. thinking too much about the reasons can cause distress. Not a good thing, especially when it makes people paranoid.
@obe212003 (2299)
• Philippines
16 Apr 11
Casual conversation is not a serious matter.. it is more of a pep talk, simply put nothing to worry about.. but no matter what, think before you talk, not talk then think..lol!
@joystick (1675)
•
19 Apr 11
If a person asks me a question about another person, i will always say i do not know, even if i do know what they want to find out, as there are usually reasons to a person wanting to know.If you say you do not know then you can not get accused of saying anything, easier that way.If people ask alot about me or what i have been up to then i will not let them know hardly anything, mainly if i know they are the sort of person that will gossip.
@grazmaniandevil (379)
•
16 Apr 11
hmm..now that's some insight but most of the time I answer in the best of my ability..I less likely allow myself to overthink and if they are going to use it against me then I know myself well that I'm pretty sneaky too:)
@sashakiddo (1102)
• United States
18 Apr 11
I like that approach, an earnest person will not have many problems as long as he or she can fight against anyone who tries to take advantage.
@jeanne94668 (478)
• Philippines
16 Apr 11
It is not really important what's the purpose of the people asking me questions. It depends on the situation. For me what you're doing shows you're paranoid. Why should I always ask myself why is he/she asking me such question. Just answer what was asked and go on with the conversation. simple as that. That's where a deep conversation starts. From a simple question leading to another.
For me what you're doing makes it complicated.
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
16 Apr 11
if the question is appropriate for that person to ask me, and it doesn't offend me any way, or it's a question that i'm cool about to answer, i usually don't have a problem answering it to the best that i can, truthfully and precisely. it all depends on the question being asked and the person who is asking it. of course i pay attention and as much as i can, i try to understand what's being asked so i could give the best answer.
@crib4mythoughts (115)
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18 Apr 11
Hi Sasha! I guess, you could be answering questions even if you don't really think hard of any reasons why that person is asking that question. As for me, I practiced telling personal things only to my parents, siblings and husband. Other than that, I always answer safe or does not elaborate my answer. What's important is that we are not being rude and we are polite.
@EstiiBabii (685)
• United States
16 Apr 11
I stay rather cautious especially if it's with someone that I'd just met. I'm cautious because I don't want to say information that might compromise me in the future. I know I shouldn't be too suspicious but in life you can't trust people too easily not even your bestest of friends.
@azuncionne (74)
• Philippines
16 Apr 11
For me, it depends on who's asking the question and what the question is. If it's family and close friends, then I would probably answer it. But if it's from people I barely know and those who are known to be intrusive, I'd be more careful. I'd choose my answer well. As for you, just try to hear the sincerity behind the question. Hope this helps.
@azuncionne (74)
• Philippines
16 Apr 11
For me, it depends on who's asking the question and what the question is. If it's family or close friends, I know they wouldn't use my answer against me. If the question is harmless, then I would probably answer it. I'm usually careful when the person asking is known to be intrusive. I don't like being asked questions that's too personal from people I barely know. As for you, just try to feel the sincerity behind the question. Hope this helps.
@mallu30 (461)
• India
16 Apr 11
First of all I pay attention to the question asked by the particular person and realised that whether I have a suitable answer or not. Then I will explain about or give the full information. I will provide full information and see that the purpose of the question will be solved.
