Q&A for How to Get Rid of Nosey People

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  • Question
    How do I stop someone from looking at my computer screen?
    Community Answer
    It would be best to just ask them to stop or move away from them if possible. If they won't stop, you can try making the font size very small (or zoom out of your webpage) so that only you can read it, or you could get a privacy screen for your computer, which makes it impossible for people looking at your screen from the side to see what's on the screen.
  • Question
    How do I deal with a nosey family member?
    Community Answer
    You can tell them that you are not comfortable discussing your personal life, and you would appreciate that they respect your privacy at this time.
  • Question
    How do I tell a nosey sister-in-law to get lost?
    Community Answer
    Tell her to get a life that's more interesting, so she doesn't have time to try get involved with yours. If this would be insulting to your significant other, then maybe consider discussing it with him/her and let him/her deal with it.
  • Question
    I have a co-worker who is always asking questions like "What did you eat for lunch?"
    Community Answer
    Maybe they're just being polite, trying to take an interest in you. If these conversations really bother you, just give sarcastic or one word answers. Like if he/she asks what you ate for lunch, just say "food." If you do this a lot, they will get the message that you don't want to chat.
  • Question
    Some people like to lie about me. Why? I have this problem a lot.
    Community Answer
    Jealousy or resentment are two big reasons people would lie about you without (obvious cause). Do you tend to offend people? Take a look at your attitude/interactions with others and do some soul-searching. If all these lies are motivated purely by jealousy, that's a tough one. Being kind to others and sensitive to their needs for validation and attention may help.
  • Question
    I have a Facebook "friend" who questions my everyday life every single evening. How do I get him to knock it off?
    Community Answer
    Tell him that it is rude and hurtful to you, then tell him to stop. If this continues, block him from contacting you through Facebook.
  • Question
    How do I stop a work colleague from asking personal health questions?
    Community Answer
    Just tell them they're making you uncomfortable. Say something like, "I'd rather not answer that or any other questions about my health. Please stop asking because you're making me uncomfortable."
  • Question
    How can I get rid of a nosy boy following me everywhere?
    Community Answer
    Tell him that he's bothering you and ask him to leave you alone. If this doesn't work, just ignore him. If you don't pay attention to him, he'll probably move on to someone else.
  • Question
    How do I stop my nosy boyfriend?
    Community Answer
    Discuss what is bothering him and why he is acting nosy, and see if you can come to a peaceful understanding about it. Then set appropriate boundaries. For example, he should not be looking at your phone/email/personal papers/etc. without your permission. If he cannot respect these boundaries, leave him.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of my nosy teacher?
    Community Answer
    Some teachers mistake nosy for caring, and are crossing the line with their intrusiveness. Just tell them, in no uncertain terms, that you are not interested in sharing personal information with them. Be polite, but firm. They may not realize what they are doing.
  • Question
    I recently changed my name, and people are always asking me why. I don't want to talk about it. How do I get them to stop?
    Community Answer
    Just tell them that your reasons were personal and that you'd rather not discuss it. Most people will respect that and not continue to bring up the subject. If someone bothers you about it, just say, "I've already told you I'm not going to talk about that, please respect my boundaries."
  • Question
    I'm retiring at 55 years old. How do I deal with nosy questions about my age and my plans?
    Community Answer
    Be vague and say you just plan on enjoying life, maybe doing some traveling. As for people asking you about your age, you could just give them a range, like "I'm in my 50s."
  • Question
    People always like to bother me when I'm drawing and keep asking what I'm drawing and making fun of the references I use. How do I get them to stop?
    Community Answer
    You can simply draw in a private place, or confront them if they start mocking your art.
  • Question
    How do I make my mom be quiet? However many times I say "okay," she doesn't get the hint.
    Community Answer
    Have an actual conversation with your mom, at least from time to time. No one will EVER love you as much as that woman. Remember that you will not have her forever. If you really need some space, just politely say, "Mom, I need some time to myself right now to think, can we pick this up again later?"
  • Question
    How do I get rid of a nosy customer if I am a child?
    Community Answer
    If you are a child, there should be an adult working with you as well. Go get the adult to handle the customer.
  • Question
    My son's teacher keeps asking probing questions as to his family dynamic. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Ask them why they need to know. If you don’t like the response, or you feel it’s not helpful to your son, then let them know you feel it’s intrusive and don’t offer information.
  • Question
    How do I stop my mom from asking me about my exam papers?
    Community Answer
    Actually, it's a parent's duty to stay informed about how their children are doing in school. There's nothing you can do about this. Just do your best on your exams so you won't have to worry about showing your mom your grades.
  • Question
    Everyone in my class at school is so nosy and pesky. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Have fun with it. Start rumors about yourself and laugh as they spread.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of a brother that is always in my way?
    Community Answer
    You can't get rid of your brother, but you can try avoiding him. Spend time away from the house, don't tell him where you are going and ask him to respect your privacy.
  • Question
    How do I get the nosy boy sitting next to me to leave me alone?
    Community Answer
    Calmly tell him your kindness should not be mistaken for romantic interest or an invitation to get personal. If he continues, wish him well and move on. If he really won't leave you alone, tell the teacher.
  • Question
    Every time she comes over, my brother's friend opens our pantry and looks for snacks. She also knows the password on my mom's phone and randomly searches for things on it. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You should notify your mother and ask your brother's friend to stop doing these things.
  • Question
    How should I handle an older man, not my family, who keeps asking when I am going to get a job? I have my reasons for still not getting a job, but I don't wish to tell him.
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    You could say exactly that. "Stop asking me that. Just because you think I should get a job doesn't mean I agree. Your life is different from mine, and I will make my own decisions. I am not accountable to you and do not wish to discuss this topic with you."
  • Question
    My brother always confronts me saying, “I know who you love.” And this makes me incredibly uncomfortable and irritated but if I show it he’ll just keep on going and threatening to tell people.
    Community Answer
    If there's no way to stop him on your own, you can go to a trusted family member, or you can lead him into the wrong direction. Make him believe you love someone else and pick someone who will not hurt your reputation, like someone many have crushes on. While he is saying this, randomly blurt out: "I like [fake crush], okay? I lied about [real love]! Just stop already!" Then sit on a chair/your bed and look sad.
  • Question
    What do I say to nosy people about why I’m not driving or dating?
    Community Answer
    Well, there are many things you can say but here are some examples: "Well, I am not driving yet because I would like to make sure I am absolutely ready for the responsibility of controlling a vehicle and therefore having the lives of everyone in the vehicle in my hands." And: "I'm not dating because I want to wait for the right person I don't want to rush into anything and would rather wait for the perfect person than possibly get my heart broken by some jerk or something." You can also push the questions back onto them with a simple: "Why do you want to know?". After they stammer out an explanation, just say: "Well, that's nice for you" and change the subject.
  • Question
    How do I stop a nosy classmate from looking at my computer or in my desk?
    Community Answer
    Lock your computer and turn it slightly away from him while using it. Keep your school notebooks and supplies in your desk and keep your private stuff in your locker, and don't tell anyone your combination.
  • Question
    How do I get my coworker to stop looking at what I'm doing in my office through a window we share and how do I get her to stop looking at me every time I pass by her office to go to the printer?
    Isolde
    Top Answerer
    Since you have a window, paste a poster or bunch of pictures on it. That will stop the staring at you when in your office. Or, get blinds installed. As for when you walk on by, try to ignore her but if not, then stop still one time, put your hands on your hips and stare right back. By making such a statement, they'll get the point and stop.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of a nosy brother at the dinner table who likes to point out my faults and mistakes?
    Kyle Chan
    Community Answer
    You can't. But, you can try to change seats, or ignore it. If your brother is younger, then he may be just going through a phase. If he's older, well, don't let him take advantage of you! Don't give him a reaction. He's probably just looking for a reaction. Laugh it off, and look for a private space. Maybe after school, do all of your homework so he can't see it, lock it in your room, then watch TV until dinner. Can't look at it now! If it's eating mistakes, you may have to fix it. But not in front of him! Like if you chew with your mouth open, lock yourself in the bathroom with some graham crackers, and practice chewing in the mirror. Don't give a reaction, he may give up!
  • Question
    People at school keep on asking me for my homework answers and it's very annoying. And it's not even a group project. What can I do about this?
    Abhi229
    Community Answer
    Ok, so have this rule. If it's for homework which does not require personalized answers like maths or some science subjects,then let them copy. But if it is something for which you put your thoughts like essay, ideas or anything else which is your original, refuse to give them your entire hw. Tell them " I can't give you my entire homework but I can suggest some points for you to write the thing yourself." Keep doing this and they will eventually get the hint.
  • Question
    There is this nosy kid at school who is always looking at what my friend and I are doing on our computers. What should we do?
    Community Answer
    Tell them politely that they are bothering you and that what you are doing on your computers should not be any of their concern. Try not to be snippy or rude, though, as this may encourage them to further try to annoy you. If it persists, try talking to a teacher, whom will have further solutions.
  • Question
    What should I do about a classmate who looks at my Chromebook like it's his business?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    If he opens it in your absence, protect the login with a password. If he looks over your shoulder, the first thing is to very obviously, even exaggeratedly so, cover your screen with your arm, head, hair, body, etc., and look at him as you do so. The next step is to address him directly: "I've been covering my screen, but you're still looking; this is none of your business, stop that behavior." After that, it's on to a complaint to your teacher.
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