What is a good way to tell a nosey co-worker who likes to butt in on everything to stop being so nosey?

dholl_975: What is a good way to tell a nosey co-worker who likes to butt in on everything to stop being so nosey?
A new co- worker who know nothing but pretends to know it all. And always asks “what are you talking about, or what happened” when it has nothing to do with them or doesn’t concern them. Just plain nosey and intrusive.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Comedienna
Just don’t answer him when he asks. Plainly tell him that it was something he doesn’t know about. If his numb or dumb not to sense your dislike, tell him straightly and forcefully to mind his own business.

Answer by Brianna
Smile and say, Oh, it’s already done with, so don’t worry about it. When she insists simply say this, I don’t want to go over it again, but thank you for your concern. Leave it at that. I believe in honest and i don’t believe in playing games. Simply, straight forward is the best without being a mean or nasty person.

If they go on, you look at them as nicely as possible and you say, it wasn’t about you so i don’t wish to discuss it with you. That should end it but only use it if she continues to push and the first two don’t work.

If you do this every time, others will hear you and they will start to follow your example if you say it in a nice manner with a nice smile on your face. They will learn and she’ll soon learn that her nosiness isn’t working any longer.

Oh, and i bet she knows more than you accept in your dislike for her.

Answer by Haley
I would say this really depends on what you and the other co-workers are talking about. Are you gossiping? Well, then yes, this new person is a bit nosey, but gossiping in the work place isn’t great either. Are you discussing work? Well, you said they were new and maybe this is how they try to feel like they fit in at the job and get a sense of what’s going on. If it is the latter case, I would consider mentoring them or finding someone to mentor them so that they feel more connected and have a purpose in their job.

Answer by okeedokee
Reply in non sequiturs, say there’s a great movie tonight or I need to buy new shoes or I forgot to pick something up for dinner etc anything that has nothing to do with the subject, it will drive him/her nuts and they will stop asking you nosy questions.

Answer by Peace
Your new co-worker is probably just trying to fit in. I would just tell them “nothing important” and ask them how they are finding their new job or something along those lines. Shift the conversation.

Answer by Lucy
Yeah I think he/she is just trying to get involved in the conversation so everyone can get to know her/him. Its hard being the new person I always try and be really friendly and involve them because theres nothing worse than going home on a night and thinking no-one likes you. I know its a bit annoying but you should try and welcome them. After you have got to know that person and they have made friends and theyre still being nosey then that is when I would say “oh nothing interesting” and then just turn my back on them!

Answer by thezaylady
I found that the best answer in cases like these is to say, “I will fill you in the very minute it becomes ANY of your business. Now excuse us, we’re having a private conversation.”

Answer by nowyouknow
You ignore them, then stop talking, look them in the eye and say: “Excuse me, we were having a private conversation.”
You don’t have to answer nosy questions.

Answer by Snitzels
Look at the person in surprise and say something to the effect of “I’m sorry, can I help you?” but not sarcastically. If that’s repeated enough he/she might stop. Whether they know a lot or not, and whether they are new or young or whatever is irrelevant, nosiness is simply not to be tolerated.

Answer by teacherintheroom
Since they are new, they probably are just looking for a way to connect with others in the office. It’s their way of trying to get into the office culture and become part of the team. ‘

If it really bothers you, then just say “nothing to worry about right now” when they ask what is going on. then stop your conversation and tell the other person “I’ll catch up with you later”. That should get the message across.