How would you respond to a “none of your business” question?

I’d respond politely and respectfully, something like:

“No problem — just thought I’d ask. Let me know if you ever do want to talk.”

Then I’d change the subject or give them space. It acknowledges their boundary without making it awkward.

I will respect the persons right to be quiet and say “Okay I hear from you sometime if you are ready to share”.

I always say, politely. I am sorry that conversation is not on the table. Smile and move on.

From experience: I may have been rude with my response, but they were rude for asking me something that did not pertain to them.

1. I said, “It’s personal” and with that look and nothing else was said.
2. I said, “It’s none of your business” and nothing else was said.
3. I said, “It’s nothing that I care to talk about” and nothing else was said.

It depends who is asking and how old they are. If a too young or a kid asks, I will smile and make jokes to make them laugh while I don’t give them any answer. If an adult asks, different things can happen. Sometimes I directly and instantly say, “it is none of your business”. If the person doesn’t look that smart or rude, I do what I do when a kid asks the same question. It depends on many factors. I like the quote that says, “My behavior is different from my personality. My personality is what I am. But my behavior depends who you are.”

I have had that happen as well… I politely ignore them or if they are adamant I tell them that I’d like to keep my personal matters to myself in a kindly manner.

I will say,  it is a good question, but may be is misdirected.

That is pretty much what I write but try to phrase it nicely.  “Your question is too personal”. But I do reply so that they can receive points for their efforts of asking a question