Download Article
Download Article
It can be really tempting to eavesdrop on other people's conversations, whether they're your neighbors, your parents, or the loud stranger taking a phone call outside. But eavesdropping can be rude and even dangerous. How do you stop eavesdropping? We'll give you a list of ways to switch up your thought process around eavesdropping and stop listening to private conversations.
Steps
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionI heard my friend fighting with her boyfriend and then starting to cry over the phone. I tried not to hear. I want to do something for her but I don’t want her to know I heard her. What should I do?MusicIsEverywhereCommunity AnswerTell her something like, "I am sorry, but I couldn't help but to overhear your fight. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help?" That way, she will know that you didn't intend to eavesdrop and that you are genuinely concerned and want to help. The worst that can happen is that she says, "I appreciate you trying to help, but I am simply not comfortable with you getting involved in this."
-
QuestionMy aunt is always eavesdropping on my personal conversations. She is very cunning, often eavesdropping outside everyone's rooms. What should I do?MusicIsEverywhereCommunity AnswerTell her to stop, that it's really bothering you and you feel like you can't have a private conversation if she is in the house.
-
QuestionIs it eavesdropping if the person is talking clearly and loudly in the same room you're in?MusicIsEverywhereCommunity AnswerNo. If they are not making any effort to be discreet and clearly do not see their conversation as private, you are not eavesdropping.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- You can avoid the temptation to eavesdrop by staying away from isolated areas and closed doors as much as you can.Thanks
- Consider eavesdropping as auditory voyeurism. If you would not secretly watch someone going to the bathroom, taking a shower, changing clothes or having sex, for example, why would it be any more permissible to secretly listen to someone's private conversation?Thanks
- If you overhear any part of a private conversation by accident, promptly walk away and, if you can, forget what you heard. Unless, there's some serious danger to yourself, or another, don't tell anyone what you heard.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Be aware that getting caught eavesdropping could land you in real hot water. Some people will yell at, attack, or even call the police on someone they catch listening in on their private conversations.Thanks
- Do not eavesdrop on someone's private conversation with intent to gather information to help the person with their situation. It's still none of your business, and if they're already discussing their personal situation in their conversation, that means they're already seeking and receiving help for it. Besides, if they want your help, they will ask you for it.Thanks
- Also, do not secretly procure or pay a spy to listen in on a private conversation you have with someone as a "prank" to the person you're talking to (not even if it's April Fools Day). It's just too hurtful and damaging to work as a practical joke.Thanks
- In addition to avoiding eavesdropping, if you're having a private conversation with someone, don't knowingly let any other person listen to or hear the conversation without the prior consent of the person you're talking to. If you're having a private conversation with someone, and you notice someone eavesdropping, quietly move the person you're talking to to another location, or confront the eavesdropper.Thanks
Advertisement
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,545 times.
Advertisement