How to Get Rid of Nosey People

Reviewed by Seth Hall

Last Updated: November 5, 2024 References

Everybody has met an overly-nosy person, like a co-worker, or parents, and most likely, a brother or sister. You don't want to be rude to them, but you just want them to knock it off. Here are some likely ways that will make them bored of you.

Steps

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If they inquire about where you're going to lunch, give a general area like, "Down to the mall." or "I'm meeting with a friend to talk about our weekend plans."
If they inquire about your weekend, let them know you're not sure about it and that's why you're meeting with your friend to plan things.

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If they ask that they can come too, let them know you still haven't gotten the details down as to how many people will be allowed to come depending on the space provided.
If they don't get the hint after that, be a little more strong with them, and tell them, "I'm sorry I'm in a rush to get going on a project/going to lunch, and pretend like you didn't hear them as you run off to where ever. Then make a visit to your manager/supervisor and ask for more help.^{[1]
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^{[2]
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Research source} Pretend that somebody is trying to Skype you by putting on headphones and saying, "Hold on a sec......"
If you're both involved in a task and personally probing questions start, either say "Can we focus on the issue at hand, please." or (spoken in a 'matter of fact way') "I'm not really in the mood to talk about this," and suggest current events as an option".
^{[3]
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Research source} If they ask you cross-examination style questions, jokingly say "When did you become a cop?", then quickly change direction of the conversation to you, a friend or family member knowing a cop, and start discussing what they think, all the while getting ready for a toilet break.
You do not have to give them all the details, but also be honest.^{[4]
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^{[6]
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Research source} If you are unsure or don't want them to know what you are doing, don't lie to them, tell them to mind their own business, or get defensive, just say "I don't know". Sometimes it can be enough to hush them up. If they persist, just carry on saying I don't know. Eventually, they will stop asking. Lying and getting defensive only makes them think you have something to hide and it can cause the nosey person to bother you more or get angry.
If they ask you questions that lead you to divulging sensitive information, don't give the information out. Just say you don't know or you can't remember and go to your parents, boss, supervisor, friend, or any person you trust when the nosey person is not about.
Tell them as little as possible about you, your friends and your family's sensitive information and business. This goes for letters, email, instant messaging, as well as face-to-face. Beware, as their questions can be ingredients and recipes for them to gossip and blab!
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Research source} If they persist on asking or they ask why you don't want to talk about it, just say you are not comfortable talking about it or walk away.^{[9]
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If you catch someone going through your personal possessions, (i.e. going through your diary, looking through your drawers, private papers, emails, documents, etc.) challenge him or her by asking what are they doing or say, "Can I help you there?". If you are brave enough, say in a calm voice, "Please ask my permission before looking through my private possessions." Be calm. If you get angry or on the defensive, it could be taken as a signal that you have something to hide.

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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.

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How do I deal with a nosey family member?

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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.

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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.

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Tips

To prevent nosey people snooping through your personal possessions, you can lock them away, or even better, have padlocks on. Padlocks with combinations are the best, and be sure to keep the combination to yourself.

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Type your private documents onto a computer with a password that only you know.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If they ask to see your personal papers or financial statements, ask to see theirs. That will make the point, and they will usually stop once they realize how invasive it is.
Ask them a question in response, like "Why do you ask?" It can help get an idea of why they want to know, and if they truly need to.

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Warnings

Be aware that nosey people are usually highly sensitive, because they don't have enough going on in their own lives.

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If they don't "get it" after 3 excuses for the same instance, they either have a problem and need help, or are eccentric and need a hobby. You pick.

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Be careful not to hurt the person. Getting blown off again and again can be hurtful and they'll eventually see what you're doing.

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