I wear a US military hat sometimes, and people often ask if I’m in the military or if I’m a general. My dad and uncle were both in the military during WWII, so the hats are meaningful to me. I don’t want to say ‘I’m not in the military’ or ‘I’m not a general’ directly, but I also don’t want to mislead anyone. What’s a good way to respond to these questions?
I’d probably just say something like, ‘It’s a family thing’ and leave it at that. Most people won’t press further.
LitigatorD said:
I’d probably just say something like, ‘It’s a family thing’ and leave it at that. Most people won’t press further.
That’s a good idea. Keeps it simple and doesn’t give away too much.
LitigatorD said:
I’d probably just say something like, ‘It’s a family thing’ and leave it at that. Most people won’t press further.
Yeah, but what if they do press further? Some people just don’t take a hint.
@Harlow
If they keep pushing, you could say, ‘My attorney advised me not to answer questions like that.’ It’s vague but polite.
I’d go with humor! Like, ‘What do you think?’ or just give them a wry smile. Works every time.
Arin said:
I’d go with humor! Like, ‘What do you think?’ or just give them a wry smile. Works every time.
Lol, love that. Humor defuses awkward situations better than anything else.
Arin said:
I’d go with humor! Like, ‘What do you think?’ or just give them a wry smile. Works every time.
What if they don’t get the joke? Some people take everything so seriously.
Then you just smile and walk away. No need to explain yourself to everyone.
I think saying something like, ‘It’s for personal reasons’ is respectful and usually stops the questions.
Ari said:
I think saying something like, ‘It’s for personal reasons’ is respectful and usually stops the questions.
Totally. Adding ‘for security reasons’ if they persist makes it sound serious enough to back off.
Ari said:
I think saying something like, ‘It’s for personal reasons’ is respectful and usually stops the questions.
What do you mean by ‘for security reasons’? Just curious.
Ari said:
I think saying something like, ‘It’s for personal reasons’ is respectful and usually stops the questions.
What do you mean by ‘for security reasons’? Just curious.
It’s just a way to politely tell them it’s none of their business without sounding rude.
You have every right to wear the hat and not answer any questions about it. Freedom of speech and all that!
Shay said:
You have every right to wear the hat and not answer any questions about it. Freedom of speech and all that!
True, but some people don’t seem to respect that. They feel entitled to an answer.
Shay said:
You have every right to wear the hat and not answer any questions about it. Freedom of speech and all that!
Exactly. That’s why a polite but firm response is the way to go.
You could also just say, ‘It’s a tribute to family members who served.’ That’s honest and usually ends the conversation.
Nate said:
You could also just say, ‘It’s a tribute to family members who served.’ That’s honest and usually ends the conversation.
Love this approach. It’s respectful and makes the conversation meaningful if it continues.