The subject says it all: There is no one specific incident I can summarize, but in general I have had encounters with people who endlessly ask loaded/leading questions and statements that are simply uncomfortable to respond to. These are in casual, non-work/non-professional situations in which nothing is really at stake. Questions such as:
- “Who wouldn’t like that?”
- “Who could say no?”
- “I never met someone who didn’t like that.”
- “Why would anyone do that?”
- “Why would anyone say that?”
- “Here! Have some! I know you will like it!”
And such. These are non-sales/non-pitch situations in which there are no high stakes: I’m not buying or selling something so these kinds of questions/statements are even more frustrating and baffling.
At least in a sales/pitch situation one can be more assertive and even act in an alienating way since in most sales/pitch situations there is no deep relationship at stake. In casual social situations when stuff like this happens I find it to be more uncomfortable because this type of interaction seems even more unnecessary.
Is there a simple thing that can be said or done in response to an interaction like this that can move the conversation past this question/statement without too much friction?
