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Normally, the way to handle overly intrusive and rude questions is by staring a little and then saying Excuse me? Should they happen to repeat the question again, you can then ask Are you se …

You need multiple strategies here. First, be more precise about your job. "I work in the space industry" naturally makes people think you're an astronaut or a rocket scientist. "I'm in professional …

In this context, I prefer Hang on Unlike shh, it clearly conveys a sense of temporariness. Not "don't talk" but "don't talk right now". It's also not something adults say to children (eg teacher …

On the one hand, the fact that one or both of these people is trans is utterly irrelevant. (I'm going to take you at your word that your objection is to Public Displays of Affection whether with oppos …

You and Mary both seem to be assuming that the conversation between the customer and the manager went like this: That girl at the counter sure is pretty. I'd like to ask her out. Can you call her ove …

Why are you trying to protect them from not understanding? Why are other people suggesting all kinds of patronizing pre-screening questions? I would never ask something as specific as "what theorem di …

I have tried the following things, each with some success. Refuse to get off the phone or answer "is there anything further I can help you with today" until I am transferred to a supervisor Hang up …

You didn't ask your coworker to stop wasting water. You insisted. You physically intruded into his space (in the bathroom, where most of us are much more sensitive about that) and turned the water off …

When someone heads out to smoke, they often announce it or extend a general invitation: Time for a smoke. You coming? You are not restricted to "yes" and "no" when you reply to one of these. Try …

You don't know what Leon is thinking, of course. But I can pretty much guarantee he isn't thinking about you at all. He's going through a lot right now. He lost a friend to suicide. Some people may ha …

There is a saying "if you have to ask, you can't afford it." This saying isn't true. A simple and honest approach would be I would love to have one of your works but they are so lovely, I suppose …

Both my husband and the husband of a friend who visits often are similar to you. They take a break whenever they need to, because we know this about them. The visiting husband will sometimes go off fo …

Parents, like bosses, respond better to requests for specific things (I want more screen time, or I want to cut back on ski-ing) than to general things (I want more freedom.) So it's fine that you're …

Not by ceasing all politeness and happiness to everyone, but as you did before, by directly saying you're not interested. …

I may be wrong here, but I see in your responses a pattern of needing to share your opinion on everything, and needing to be right as well. Let me offer you some words you could use in response to thi …