Well That Was Awkward

Responding To Awkward Questions
Having you ever been asked an awkward question and were so caught off guard that you didn’t know how to respond? These questions tend to be common at family gatherings, but they can also pop up in work or social situations. The questions can run the gamut from your relationship status to your finances and everything in between. Handling awkward questions gracefully is an essential skill. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time someone pops that awkward question.

Stay Calm and Composed
Maintain your composure, regardless of how uncomfortable the question makes you feel. Taking a deep breath can help you stay focused and composed.
 
Take a Beat
Take a moment to think before you speak. This pause can help you gather your thoughts and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
 
Redirect the Conversation
If the question is too personal or inappropriate, gently steer the conversation in a different direction. You can do this by acknowledging the question briefly and then shifting the focus to a related but more comfortable topic: “Let’s talk about something more interesting than my love life….What are your plans for the summer?”
 
Set Boundaries
It's okay to set boundaries and let the other person know if a question is off-limits. You can do this politely by saying something like, "I prefer not to discuss that topic" or "I'm not comfortable answering that question."
 
Use Humor
Sometimes, a well-placed joke or a lighthearted response can diffuse tension and make the situation less awkward. Just be sure that your humor is appropriate for the context and the situation. An example of using humor for the question “How much money do you make?” could be “Why, are you going to ask me for a loan?” [light chuckle] Again, this response would only be appropriate with certain people and situations.
 
Practice Empathy
Try to understand where the other person is coming from and why they might be asking the question. Responding with empathy can help defuse tension and promote understanding. When a person asks how much something cost, it could be because they are considering making a similar purchase. You could respond to a question about the cost of something with “Why do you ask?” or “Are you in the market for this same thing?”
 
Know When to End the Conversation
If the questions become too invasive or uncomfortable, it's okay to politely end the conversation or excuse yourself from the situation altogether.
 
Prepare
If you know you’re heading into a situation where a certain person is going to be asking you an awkward question, prepare your come backs in advance.

​By putting these tips into practice, you can navigate awkward questions with grace and confidence while maintaining respect for yourself and others. Remember, not every awkward question will have a comfortable ending and that’s okay! Embrace the awkward moment, learn from it and laugh about it later.