You don’t owe every coworker or boss full access to your personal life and decisions.
Workplaces can feel like one big open forum where everyone shares, asks questions, and gets a little too curious about things that have nothing to do with them. The lines between professional and personal often blur, and people start to assume they’re entitled to know way more about your private life than they actually are. That’s where learning to confidently say, “That’s none of your business,” becomes a necessary skill.
It’s not about being rude or difficult—it’s about setting healthy boundaries that protect your privacy and mental well-being. You don’t have to explain your finances, personal relationships, medical history, or career plans just because someone at work feels like asking. These 12 situations are prime examples of when it’s absolutely okay to shut down the conversation and keep your personal life your own.
1. When coworkers ask how much money you make.
Salary questions make many people uncomfortable, and not everyone asking has good intentions. Sometimes coworkers are genuinely curious, but often, they’re fishing for comparison, gossip, or even leverage for their own negotiations.
You’re under no obligation to share your salary unless you personally choose to, according to Robert Walters. Discussing pay can create tension or awkward competition, and once that information is out, you can’t take it back. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I prefer to keep that private,” or directly tell them it’s none of their business.
2. When someone pries into your relationship status or love life.
Questions like “Are you seeing anyone?” or “Why aren’t you married yet?” might feel casual to the person asking, but they can be invasive and put you on the spot. Your dating life isn’t office small talk, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to share details, as reported by Daniel Bortz at Monster.com.
These questions can be especially uncomfortable if you’re dealing with personal heartbreak, privacy preferences, or if you simply don’t want your coworkers speculating about your love life. A simple redirect or firm boundary keeps things professional and prevents unwanted gossip.
3. When people dig into your family planning choices.
Coworkers asking if you’re having kids, when you plan to start a family, or why you don’t have children yet is wildly inappropriate, as stated by the authors at Career Contessa. These questions touch on deeply personal topics like fertility, finances, and personal values that don’t belong in workplace conversations.
Whether you’re planning kids, struggling, or have zero interest, it’s no one’s business. You can politely but firmly shut it down with a quick, “That’s not something I discuss at work,” without giving any further explanation or opening the door to follow-up questions.
4. When someone questions your medical or mental health.
Health topics—physical or mental—are private matters. If you take time off, attend appointments, or disclose anything limited about your health, some coworkers might start probing for more details than they deserve to know.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation beyond what’s necessary for HR or management. If people pry, it’s completely okay to say, “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not comfortable discussing that.” Your health is your business, period.
5. When coworkers ask how you afford certain purchases or trips.
Comments like “How can you afford that car?” or “Must be nice to take that vacation” cross a line into passive-aggressive territory. Your financial decisions aren’t up for coworker commentary or judgment.
You’re not required to explain your budget, spending habits, or financial priorities. If someone presses, a direct response like “That’s not really something I discuss at work” sends a clear message that your finances aren’t up for discussion.
6. When people push for details about why you took time off.
After you take PTO, a sick day, or personal leave, some coworkers get nosy and want to know exactly how you spent your time away. Whether you were on vacation, dealing with family, or just needed a break, you don’t owe anyone specifics.
Sharing those details is entirely optional. If you don’t feel like rehashing your time off, it’s fine to keep your answers vague or say, “I took some personal time—it was great, thanks for asking.” You’re not obligated to entertain follow-up questions.
7. When coworkers ask about your political beliefs or social opinions.
Politics, religion, and hot-button issues have no place in casual workplace conversations. If someone tries to pull you into debates or ask your stance on divisive issues, you have every right to shut it down.
Protecting your peace and avoiding unnecessary conflict at work is smart, not rude. Saying something like, “I don’t discuss politics at work,” keeps things professional and prevents the conversation from spiraling into tension or division.
8. When someone wants to know your future career plans.
Questions like “Are you planning to leave?” or “Are you interviewing elsewhere?” can put you in an uncomfortable position. Whether you’re job hunting or not, discussing your career plans with coworkers can backfire quickly.
Sharing that information could lead to rumors, power plays, or managers questioning your loyalty. You’re not obligated to reveal your long-term plans to anyone outside of formal conversations with your supervisor when appropriate.
9. When people probe into your work friendships or office relationships.
Coworkers might start speculating about who you’re close to, who you spend lunch breaks with, or whether you’re dating someone in the office. These kinds of personal relationship questions quickly veer into gossipy territory.
Maintaining professional boundaries means you don’t have to explain who you’re friendly with or why. If someone presses, a simple “I like to keep my personal connections private” makes it clear that you’re not playing into the drama.
10. When coworkers comment on your lifestyle or personal choices.
Whether it’s your diet, appearance, hobbies, or how you spend your free time, unsolicited opinions at work can feel judgmental and invasive. Questions like “Why don’t you eat meat?” or “Why are you still renting instead of buying?” don’t deserve explanations.
Your personal lifestyle choices aren’t open for office debate. You can simply respond with, “That’s my personal choice,” and leave it at that. You don’t owe anyone a defense of how you live your life outside of work.
11. When someone wants the full story behind a previous job or firing.
If you’ve changed jobs, left a toxic environment, or been fired, nosy coworkers may dig for details about what happened. Those conversations can feel especially uncomfortable and aren’t anyone else’s concern.
Your professional history is yours to share on your own terms. You can easily shut down prying with a polite, “I prefer not to get into details—what matters is where I am now.” That way, you keep control over your own narrative.
12. When coworkers ask personal questions about your living situation.
Questions like “Why do you still live with roommates?” or “Why haven’t you bought a house yet?” can feel subtly judgmental, even if framed innocently. People’s living situations are shaped by countless private factors—finances, family needs, or personal preference.
You don’t have to explain your housing choices to satisfy anyone’s curiosity. If someone presses, a simple “That’s a personal decision” draws the boundary clearly while keeping the conversation professional and respectful.