Knowing what not to say is often more important than knowing what to say. Here are five questions not to ask at a party – at Christmas or any time.
I find that people often have friends a lot like themselves. Because of this, we probably have quite a bit in common with other people at parties we attend hosted by our friends.
Meeting friends of friends is a great way for us to make new friends ourselves.
At least it is if we step out on the right foot!
None of us mean to say the “wrong” thing; we all want to leave others with a good impression of ourselves. However, it happens to everyone. We ask a question without realizing the impact our words had on the other person. It seemed innocent to us, so what’s making the other person emotionally back away?
The answer: We asked one of the five questions most often asked of someone we’ve just met that should be saved for people we already count as friends. Without knowing it, we’ve gone too far, too fast.
Most of us have been asked these five questions. So it might come as a surprise that they aren’t considered “polite” conversation for parties and other first encounters.
In the list below, I share the “why” not to ask them. Knowing why helps us remember what not to ask at a party.
And while the questions might not bother you or me at all if someone were to ask, keep in mind that good manners aren’t about only your or my thoughts, feelings, and opinions about something. It’s the bigger picture. It’s not my personal standard that constitutes good manners, and it’s not your personal standard, either. It’s the Gold Standard.
What’s the Gold Standard?
The Gold Standard is something that author Andy Andrews lays out in his book The Noticer Returns that says living by our own standard means we aren’t really living by a standard at all. A “standard” by definition means that it’s an agreed-upon norm. The ones that make it into the etiquette books have met the Gold Standard.
Before we begin, there’s one thing we need to know about how friendships are born:
Friendships are formed on common ground. And while the cliche “opposites attract” is well known, it’s more the exception than the rule in relationships of any kind. The more you can find in common with someone, the faster you’re able to say, “I like that person.” And why wouldn’t you? What’s not to like? That person is a lot like you!
Here are the most commonly asked and lesser known things that have been agreed upon as the Gold Standard of what not to ask at a party, or when first meeting people in any social or business encounter, because of the effect (sometimes subtle and sometimes not) they can have on the people and their opinion of us.
If you’re wondering how to best start conversations, here’s what to say to start and continue gracious, sincere conversations with people you’re just meeting or don’t know well.
What Not to Ask at a Party
1. Don’t ask, “What do you do for a living?”
This is usually the first question asked of us, but it should be first on our list of what not to ask at a party. While in a perfect world, our answer shouldn’t impact the future of our friendship with someone, the sad truth is that it does. If surgeon Bob is having a great conversation about fly fishing in Georgia on the Toccoa River with assistant car mechanic Alex, and then Bob changes the subject to ask what Alex does for a living, the differences in income level, job status, education and such are going to suddenly make them aware of the many things that separate them. The two of them haven’t walked on enough common ground together yet, and one of the two will more than likely excuse himself.
2. Don’t ask, “Is your spouse here? I’d love to meet him/her!”
While this question seems like a great way to expand a conversation, it’s one that can backfire. I know three couples now in various stages of separation and divorce who still wear their wedding rings. The first rule of etiquette is: never assume.
Also, as a young widow, I didn’t remove my wedding ring until Kent (my current husband) and I started dating three years later. My wedding ring was my most intimate outward sign of having been joined with him, and I wore it with love and remembrance.
In all these cases, asking about spouses is going to make things awkward. Of course, when people mention their spouses at a party, then you can certainly ask about them.
3. Don’t ask, “Do you have children?”
Infertility issues, miscarriages, teen children who are in trouble, young adult children who have lost their way – the list is long. Not all any families are picture-postcard perfect. Mention your child or children (if you have any), and then if the other person(s) mention children, it’s a great subject of conversation. However, only talk about children who have been mentioned. If they have other children they want to talk about at the party, they’ll bring them up at some point.
4. Don’t ask, “Do you mind if I take this call?”
Nope! Nope! Nope! Please! It’s a party. Go ahead and turn your cell phone off. If you need to check it, or make a call home to see how the kids are doing, take care of it after you’ve excused yourself from the conversation. Ask the host or hostess whether there’s a private room you can use (or step outside, weather permitting), check your phone, and make any calls, if you must. But honestly, unless there’s a major illness of a loved one or some such thing, you need to be able to attend a party without consulting your phone for the duration. And besides, you deserve the break from the interruptions and possible frustrations (work emails, arguing children, late bill notices, and anything else) that our phones deliver right to the palms of our hands.
5. Don’t ask, “You’re a [insert job title/position here]. May I ask you a question?”
It’s great finding out that you’re talking to a lawyer when you have a question about a contract you’re about to sign. It’s wonderful chatting to a chiropractor when your back hurts. It’s great luck to discover you’re deep in discussion with an interior designer when you’re wondering what color you should paint your dining room. But as for what not to ask at a party, this is one to remember!
The fact is that answering your questions is how these people get paid. Asking for free advice from those you’ve just met, and while they’re enjoying a party (free time!), isn’t the type of person I think you want to be. Nicely saying no to a request for free advice is covered here.
Since you’ve met them at your friend’s party, you later can ask your friend about how good they are at their jobs. Then you’ll know whether you should call. Maybe if your question takes just a minute or two on the phone, the person will answer you for free, but remember the old saying that workers are always worthy of their wages. Paying for good work and quality advice is the norm.
Wondering what to ask to start a great conversation at your next party or event? Here are The 5 Manners of Great Party Conversation.
What’s Next!
Keep doing what you were born to do. Bless the world by being you at your authentic best!
Blessings,
