When people first meet you and ask "what do you do?" (money, person)

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by ocnjgirl

Good grief, it's a conversation starter, that's all.

True. But not a very polite one.

[mainebrokerman]

"what do you do" ??

im on parole - this usually ends the conversation

I go to church- again this halts more questions

im in the witness protection program- dont tell anyone!!

im on disability, and presently training in powerlifting

i'm a liberal, im not required to DO anything!

[ocnjgirl]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

True. But not a very polite one.

It's one that's been socially accepted as appropriate for hundreds of years.

[ocnjgirl]

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

"what do you do" ??

im on parole - this usually ends the conversation

I go to church- again this halts more questions

im in the witness protection program- dont tell anyone!!

im on disability, and presently training in powerlifting

i'm a liberal, im not required to DO anything!

That is completely inappropriate for this forum, not to mention rude for no reason as well as inaccurate.

I don't understand the desire to come back to an innocent conversation opener with a snarky, sarcastic remark. If I asked what you do and you answered with the above comments, I'd assume you were ashamed of whatever it is you do, walk away and look for someone more socially adept and friendly to talk to.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by ocnjgirl

It's one that's been socially accepted as appropriate for hundreds of years.

Um, no. in fact, it was taboo for a long time due to its manifest shallowness.

Want To Kill A Conversation? Ask Someone What They Do

https://medium.com/architecting-a-li...re-cd0156212f3

[ovi8]

- opens up more topics for conversation

- if we ask about your hobbies it feels like we want to date you. No. That just comes up along the way.

[elhelmete]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Um, no. in fact, it was taboo for a long time due to its manifest shallowness.

Want To Kill A Conversation? Ask Someone What They Do

https://medium.com/architecting-a-li...re-cd0156212f3

Two HuffPo articles, both of which lead off with pretty negative assumptions about why the asker is asking the question. And then more assumptions about intent.

Again...it *can* be an icky question under some circumstances but in most it can be very matter of fact and interesting.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by ocnjgirl

That is completely inappropriate for this forum, not to mention rude for no reason as well as inaccurate.

I don't understand the desire to come back to an innocent conversation opener with a snarky, sarcastic remark. If I asked what you do and you answered with the above comments, I'd assume you were ashamed of whatever it is you do, walk away and look for someone more socially adept and friendly to talk to.

lighten up!!!


i have used each one of these responses and a few more that's not appropriate to write here,,

i respond to questions in the manner they are asked, and if someone is being the least bit condescending,,,yeah,,,i'll throw a curve ball at them..

[Wartrace]

I tell them I am a life insurance salesman.

[Sydney123]

What do I do? Mind my own business mostly. Lol