A short advice video by Raele Altano (communication coach) offering three ways to respond when someone asks your age: use a vague/dry-humor reply (example lines given), deflect by asking why, or give a direct polite refusal. The clip emphasizes tone—being firm but non-hostile—and recommends avoiding defensive or confrontational comebacks.
Okay, here's what to say when someone is asking you your age and you do not feel like telling them. Now, I personally don't think this question is rude, especially if it's coming from a friend in a casual setting or if someone wants to know because they just want to give you a compliment. This was a requested topic, so we're going to cover it anyway. First option keeps things vague with a little bit of dry humor mixed in. You can say, older than I was when you asked me, or I'm old enough to vote, drink, and run for President of the United States. Second option is to put the ball back in the other person's court and ask them why. Do you want to know if they respond with, oh, I'm just curious? You can respond with one of the answers we covered before. Third option is to be direct and say that you prefer not to answer that question. You can simply say, I prefer not to answer that right now, or I'm not big on telling my age, especially in settings like this. That kind of response is firm, but also shows that this is just a personal preference of yours and won't leave any room for debate or argument about it versus a more defensive response like, well, that's a rude question to ask or you should never ask a woman her age, which can be met with more hostility and questioning as to what the big deal even is.
