Inappropriate personal questions you’ve been asked?

Pink Biz said:
That's illegal to ask in US.
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Yes, it is but they often find a way to get around it. Like asking how old you are. I've had some employers ask & if you don't tell them, they just don't hire you. They don't have to admit why. Or sometimes they'll have you fill out the W2 which asks for your birth date before offering you a job.
 

debodun said:
Job interview - What's your religion?
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hollydolly said:
I think I've been asked that question at every interview... I always leave it blank
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Not these days, surely. At least in the US an employer can't ask about your religion.

I felt it was inappropriate for my back surgeon to ask me if I was sexually active. My expression must have spoken volumes because he rephrased the question: Would you characterize yourself as physically active? 😁
 
Pinky said:
I endured the "are you going to have children?", and "are you going to have another baby?", which I put a stop to, by replying "I wish people would mind their own business and stop pressuring me!"
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I was asked why I was having another child at 'my age'...I should know better, etc. I call my son 'my Alberta surprise' and what a wonderful surprise it was too. No regrets!
 
hollydolly said:
yes I'm afraid so ... still!!...and although by law they're not permitted to ask your age either ..they are permitted to ask when you left school or college..so they get to know it anyway...
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It's one thing to know but it's illegal here for any applicant to be denied employment based on discrimination of age, religion, race, etc. If the applicant files a complaint, the employer is investigated. If the investigation leads to a charge of discrimination, the employer faces losing their license and publicity. I suppose discrimination still happens because some people don't know they have a right to complain.
 
Pecos said:
When I read the title of this thread, I thought "of course I have an input."

But after reading some of what has already been posted, I realized that I simply cannot compete with some of the unbelievably stupid questions that have been posted.

LOL, I surrender the field!
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My feelings exactly, @Pecos. My life is mostly an open book anyway, so I don't mind questions that others might find too personal.

It's ok with me if someone asks what I paid for something. (If they asked where I bought it they could figure out what I paid in two seconds on the internet.) Even home prices are public knowledge, so no secrets there.

I grew up in an immediate and extended family that employed plenty of truth-shading and secrets. It was so frustrating to know something was wrong but not being able to figure out what it was. That might explain why I went in the opposite direction. Almost nothing in my life is held secret.
 
Geezerette said:
On a medical history questionnaire for a primary care dr just this past year:
Are you or have you been sexually active?
possible responses: Yes. Yes but not now. Never.

I declined to answer, & it was never mentioned.
I could understand if it was a Gyn dr, but not otherwise.
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Years ago when I was a supervisor, our application asked for the date of your last period.
 
As a man who often rides motorcycles and an old sports car when out and about, I don't get too many questions, let alone inappropriate ones. There are two, however, which immediately come to mind that some folks may find questionable.

One was in the parking lot of the supermarket when I was putting groceries in the trunk. This (really good looking senior) woman came walking up and said "I like your car." After some brief discussion about the merits of such a vehicle, she asked, "How old are you?" I politely said, "Older than you", complimented her and then politely steered the conversation to an end point. I have to admit that the attention I received put a little bounce in my walk that day. Thank you, dear lady, if you're reading this.

The other was when my SIL and I pulled up at a popular sandwich place on our motorcycles. Although not noisy, some senior lady seemed to take umbrage with our being there, looked at me and asked in a loud voice, "Are you in your second childhood now?" My reply was probably as off-the-wall as her question when I responded, "Lady, please, I am still trying to get out of my first." People laughed. She didn't. The lunch tasted especially good that noon.

As a general rule, I am not bothered by most questions but take care never to ask any that might make others uncomfortable in social or casual situations. That rule generally doesn't apply in business situations, expect where prohibited by law or good sense.
 
I was on the receiving end of lots of baby ones... 99% came by way of people who weren't close to me (acquaintances/neighbours), and all women.

"Pregnant again, Marg, how many is that now, 8, 10, a dozen"?
"Look at you, what a baby-making machine you are".
"How old are your other ones again"?
"What are you going to name this one"?
"Haven't you had your fill of washing diapers yet"?
"Your husband is going to have to get a second job".
"You're going to be pushing a baby buggy forever".
"Are you going to bottle or breastfeed"?
"Looks like you're carrying twins or triplets".

I've learned that having any number of children today is somewhat of a sore spot for many, but it seems the instant people find out that you're exceeding the standard one or two children, that's when the cheap-shots start. I don't remember it being like that when I was growing up.

I also learned that a number of the cheap-shots I was subjected to were tied to jealousy... women who couldn't get pregnant, and rather than offer their help in the way of occasional babysitting or whatever else a decent person typically would or could offer, they chose to instead, make light of my pregnancies.

I've also endured cheap-shots related to other life related things outside of having children, and typically, those off-colour remarks are the result of jealously, envy, sometimes both, or brought on by plain and pure spite, sort of like... if I can think it, I can say it.

It's too bad some people have a hard time reeling-in their mouths.
 
Seems to me I read in a number of places that the average family size was the parents and 2 1/2 kids. I always wondered what a half kid looked like and how it functions. I suppose a number of divorces today are necessary to make room for the other half of that poor kid.:unsure:

Tony
 
tbeltrans said:
Seems to me I read in a number of places that the average family size was the parents and 2 1/2 kids. I always wondered what a half kid looked like and how it functions. I suppose a number of divorces today are necessary to make room for the other half of that poor kid.:unsure:

Tony
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I never did understand the "half" thing.

I'm gathering the "half" thing was the new baby in the bassinette.
 
Ruth n Jersey said:
A perfect stranger asked me in a supermarket if I got my jacket in Macys and how much I paid for it.
How much money do you keep in you checking account?
I'm sure there were more.
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I've been approached by a stranger who said they loved my hair and asked who my hairdresser was, but that was something I was flattered by so it didn't bother me. In fact, I've done the same! Asking the price? uh....that would be pushing it. :(
 

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