Nosiness and gossiping seem to go together. Some people find power in knowing something that others don’t know.
All of us have information that we don’t feel comfortable sharing with others. Nosy people don’t get the hint and keep trying to pry information out of you. Some folks like to ask really personal questions about who are you dating, if you are a virgin, or even how much money do you earn.
You don’t have to reveal the personal details of your life to the office gossip or your family. You have the right to set some personal boundaries and keep parts of your life private.
If someone in your life crosses the line too many times and won’t keep their nose out of your business, here are a few sarcastic zingers. Maybe you will get lucky, and they will mind their own business!
Top ten snappy comebacks to shut down nosy people
1. Hey, I found your nose, it’s in my business again!
2. Remember when I asked for your opinion? Me neither.
3. Oh I didn’t tell you. It must have been none of your business then.
4. My life, my mistakes, my choices. Not your business!
5. My business isn’t your business.
6. If you are going to have opinions about my life then I can assume you will be paying some of my bills.
7. Oh, I didn’t realize you were an expert on my life. Continue while I take notes.
8. It’s better to have your nose in a book than someone else’s business.
9. It’s an odd thing how some people have to be all up in your business.
10. Mind your own problems before you talk about mine.
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Definition of a nosy person
Nosy people are known to have an extreme interest in others private affairs. They will often listen in on information that you don’t want to share, and ask invasive and overly personal questions.
Nosy folks are also known to share your personal information, spread rumours and gossip about others. It can be uncomfortable to be around a nosy person, and it can be embarrassing and you may feel as if you are being disrespected with they share your confidential information with others.
How to deal with a nosy person
Dealing with a nosy person can be challenging and a little hard to take, but here are things that you can do that may help:
1. Set boundaries: It’s vital to have extremely clear boundaries with a nosy person. Explain what behaviour you will not tolerate, and the consequence if they continue the negative behaviour.
2. Clear communication: Use “I” statements to let the nosy person know when they behaviour is affecting you in a negative way.
3. Redirect the conversation to something else: When you are asked a nosy question, politely decline to answer and change the topic to something about the person who is asking the question.
4. Be strict with your standard: If the nosy person continues to pry into your personal matters, let the individual know that their behaviour is not acceptable and they are not meeting your standard of respecting your privacy.
5. Seek support: It’s important to have a support system, whether that be friends or family members. Consider seeking the help of a therapist or counsellor to help you cope with the nosy individual.
Always remember that dealing with a nosy people can be difficult, but your own well being and personal privacy must come first. If they refuse to back off and respect your limits, you may want to seek professional help or start to distance your self from the person.
Famous people called nosy in the media
It is not common for famous people to be called out for being nosy in the media, because it isn’t a headline grabbing topic. However, there have been instances where famous people have been accused of being nosy or intrusive in their behaviour towards others. Here are a few examples:
- Ellen DeGeneres: Ellen has been accused of being a nosy and toxic boss on her talk show by former employees. Her work culture was called toxic by many staff members who went public with their grievances because they were fed up with Ellen’s inappropriate behaviour.
- Martha Stewart: Martha Stewart is know n for being extremely controlling and nosy in her relationships. Former staff have gone not he record to say she is overly critical and micromanager.
- Oprah Winfrey: In the past, Oprah Winfrey has been accused of being asking guests nosy questions about their personal relationships. Some of Oprah’s critics feel that some of her intrusive questions have exploited her guests in an attempt to boost her own show ratings.
While famous people may be more likely to be accused of nosiness, we need to remember people are human to have empathy and understanding.
The Role of Counseling and Self-Care
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When you are dealing with a nosy person and it is causing you distress, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counsellor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
More top ten comeback lists you might like
- Top ten comebacks for people who make negative comments
- Top ten comebacks for complainers
- More comebacks you might like
WANT TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF?
Our FREE Starter Guide will show you the 3 simple steps you can take right now to stand up for yourself so that you can feel confident. It’s a game changer–get it free for a limited time!
The Role of counselling and self care
I Should Have Said Media may earn a commission after clicking links on this page at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
When you are dealing with someone who finds power in knowing something that others don’t know and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
Some people find it so hard to find out of my life, when they actually need to focus on their own.
I quite agree Nilly. I can’t stand nosey prying people. Why are they so interested anyway. I had an ex-friend who was forever asking personal questions which i found where very tactless and insensitive. I got so stressed out with it all i decide to end the friendship even when i mentioned the fact i didn’t like her line of questioning she still kept on so i said goodbye and i feel much better without her intense personality.
thats the best
Omg you found it I thought that you lost it….. You know your nosey thing you do when you get up in everyone else’s business because you have no life of your own, yea… I thought you lost it thank god you didn’t that’s would have been tragic. -what I said to a guy in my class bc he is a nosey b¡+€h
Here are a few that I came up with on my own: 1) If only you were more interested in knowing how to mind your own business. 2) It is more important to know boundaries than to know confidential matters. 3) It’s more important to know what to ask than to know everything about everyone.
I like to say it’s not a secret it is just none of your damn business!
Lola, what a perfect comeback . 🙂
When somebody asks a personal question I simply say, “why do you ask?”.
This puts them on the spot. Watch them fluster.
I wish there was a course I can take to spontaneously react in situations like this… I always think of comebacks later after the conversation is over … N i kick myself for not being able to say anything to them… I’m too nice n polite for my own good
Nosey person: hey, what are you talking about
Me: hey, what do you want to be when you grow up, because you better be a surgeon so you can stitch your nose back on, because it seems to be wondering into my business!!!!!
I hope the comebacks not toooo long?