17 ways to avoid uncomfortable questions.

You have probably been asked a question at least once that you simply didn’t want to answer. It could be an interview question or a question from a stranger who doesn't know where the line ends.

To help you change the subject as painlessly as possible, experts have come up with psychological tricks. Having learned all these techniques, you will be able to dodge uncomfortable questions, as Tyson once dodged the blows.

How to answer uncomfortable questions

1. Ask a friend for help

If you are in the company of friends or family and hear a question that you could not predict, you can ask one friend or relative to join the conversation politely.

For example, you can ask the child to say or ask something.

2. Prepare an answer suitable for you in advance

If you are going to a scheduled appointment, interview, for example, you can prepare answers to any unwanted questions that you suspect are waiting for you. Psychologists call this "visualizing your free throws."

Let's say you go to an interview and suspect that you will be asked about your managerial experience, and you have little of it.

You can use the asked question as a topic for an answer, or just to change a topic. Say, "I'm so glad you asked! One of the reasons I'm looking for new opportunities is because I want to learn new things, grow and develop, and I learn things quickly."

3. Build a "bridge" to change the topic

This technique allows you to move away from the point of vulnerability or awkwardness and towards the area that can provide you with positive result.

For example, instead of answering a personal question about your appearance, change the subject to a celebrity who recently changed her appearance.

You can also tell about interesting news that is indirectly related to the question.

A classic "bridge" is something like: "I don't know this, but I know for sure that ..." or "I can't say for sure, but this is what I know ..."

4. Rephrase the question

Here are your key phrases: "I think you really want to know ..." and "I think you want to understand ...".

For example, if you are asked when you will finally get a promotion, one of the responses might be, "I think you are interested in knowing how much I enjoy my job." Then move in a direction convenient for you.

5. Leave politely to avoid uncomfortable conversation

If you’re at a party and are just chatting about different topics, and suddenly someone brings up a topic that you prefer not to discuss, come up with an excuse to leave or take time off.

You can say that you are going to the bathroom - at least it is better and easier than trying to answer uncomfortable questions.

6. Be honest that you don't like the question or topic

It doesn't matter who asks what, remember one thing: you have every right to say that this or that question makes you feel uncomfortable.

You always have the right to answer an unwanted question like this: "This topic burdens me, so I would prefer not to talk about it. But I would like to hear about your new [project / work / child / home]! "

7. Laugh it off

Humor is the best way to dodge an awkward question. This is the opinion of the public relations specialist Sherry Gavanditti.

For example, the obsessive question "How much money do you make?" can be dodged with the simple joke "Not enough!" Most people will realize that they have crossed the line and change the subject.

8. Answer ambiguously

The easiest way to dodge an unwanted question is to leave some understatement in your answer.

If someone asks why you haven't quit your unloved job yet, the answer is, "Who knows? I still have to pay my bills on time." Or to the question: "When are you going to get married?" answer vaguely: "I'm not sure yet, we'll see!"

9. Offer advice instead of answering

For example, if someone asks about your recent weight loss and you don't want to go into details, just share advice about your favorite fitness club, trainer, exercise, diet, and suggest your advice.

Or, instead of answering a pesky question about your recent breakup, share some helpful books to help people overcome breakups.

10. Shame the one who asks (slightly)

If the question is really unpleasant for you, you may slightly embarrass the person asking the question for being overly curious. Do this in a humorous manner. For example: "Oh, I see, you are quite curious, huh?" or "Wow, I think this is a difficult question for such easy atmosphere."

11. Answer the question with a compliment

Compliments are a great way to distract and defuse an embarrassing situation. For example, if someone comments on your weight loss or weight gain, you can compliment their own appearance.

Or if someone asks you, "When will you have children?" you can change the subject by complimenting the asking person's beautiful wedding. You can also say something nice about the last accomplishment of the child of the person you are talking to.

12. Answer the question with a question

Give the other person reason to doubt and politely dismiss the unwanted question with your own question.

When asked about the status of your relationship, try answering something like, "Are you worried about me being single?" When asked about looking for a job or your salary, you might answer: "Are you worried about my financial situation?"

13. Ask for advice

An easy way to avoid answering an unwanted question is to shift the burden onto another person. You can ask for advice on an uncomfortable issue for you.

For example, if a married person asks you why you are not yet engaged, you might ask for advice on how to strengthen the relationship.

If someone asks you personal questions about your children or their raising, ask them for parenting advice.

14. Change roles

Ask the same question to the other person. The interlocutor must then decide whether he / she really wants to discuss the proposed topic.

If you are asked about your relationship, ask a question about the other person's relationship in return.

If you are asked about your boss, ask how the other person's work is progressing.

15. Create a red herring

Distraction can be an easy way to avoid an embarrassing question at a family event.

No one wants to watch you struggle to answer tricky questions, but everyone might want dessert, watch a movie, or play a game.

In a crowd, it's especially easy to pretend you didn't hear the question, so you can turn to the other person and start a new conversation or activity.

16. Move to a topic that is safer for you

For example, when asked about your finances, skip to the story of how you recently started making a more effective budget.

Instead of answering questions about why you recently got fired, talk about your new job or your search.

Act as if you are answering exactly what they want to hear from you.

17. Answer a specific question in a generalized way

If you are asked, for example, about your political views, you can tell how satisfied or disappointed you are with the political climate in general, or how great it would be if everyone came together for a productive dialogue.

Moreover, if you change the tone of the topic from negative to positive, your curious interviewee may not want to go back to the original question.