t one time or another, you’ve probably been in situations where someone posed a question that caught you off-

guard. Maybe you actually preferred not to answer some of those distressing questions, but didn’t know what to say instead.

When you’re asked an uncomfortable question, remember that you have a right to your feelings. Your feelings are as important as the person's asking the question.

Respond with dignity and consider these ideas for an effective response:

✴ Subtly show your discomfort. Make eye contact. Say, "I don't know what to say." This comment puts the onus of the conversation on the other person.

✴ Be honest about your feelings. Tell the person openly, "I'm not comfortable talking about that right now." Typically, the other person will retreat.

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5 Ways to Respond to Uncomfortable Questions

(c) Richard ButlerCoachingFundamenals.com

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✴ Change the subject. Say something like, "My wife told me that last month you took a trip to California. How was it?"

✴ Ignore it. Simply not answering can be the most dynamic way to send the message that you don't wish to respond.

✴ Nip the subject matter in the bud. Use a neutral tone of voice and say something like, "I can't imagine why you would ask me a question like that."

Don’t let others make you feel uncomfortable! Practice these responses so they’ll roll off your tongue with ease. Then, the next time someone asks you an inappropriate question, choose whichever option seems to best fit the situation. Try it – you’ll like feeling back in control!

(c) Richard ButlerCoachingFundamenals.com