What to say when someone asks how much I spent on something


I got an expensive ring from my husband for Christmas. His coworkers & mom have all asked how much it costs & made comments about being rich.

Comments for What to say when someone asks how much I spent on something

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Always be gracious ...
by: Ms P Etiquette

Dear Gifted,

Asking anyone the cost of something personal and intimate is rude. So you really want to know how to respond to an offensive question.

I find the best answer is to simply tell them, "it was a gift." followed with a smile. It is polite to assume others are happy for your good fortune even if they are not.

Another response is, "really, why do you want to know that?", and act surprised. But remember to keep smiling no matter what. With practice, you can become very good at this response behavior and use it on many occasions when impolite questions are posed.

Ms. Practical Etiquette

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Miss Manners.







Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

Search Our
Family of Sites



Translate the Page



Find Your Roots

Meet Your Ancestors


Follow Us on
Twitter



Become a
Facebook Fan