Sooner or later, someone is going to ask you a question, that might make you feel uncomfortable, and make things a tad awkward.

Why own that “awkward” when you can mark that envelope “return to sender”?

The next time someone asks you a question, that makes you feel uncomfortable, “hot potato” that bitch right back by asking . . .

“I’m curious . . . what prompted you to ask me that question?”

Several things will happen with that simple little question . . .

1)   You get the gift of having some context and clarity. Depending on how they answer your question you will quickly know where they’re coming from and going to with that question.

2)   You let them do the “splainin” instead of you. After all, they were the one that had to “go there” . . . let them feel like the ass.

3)   You regain control . . . Go ahead, give yourself a gold star, you control regaining mofo you!

4)   You might even get the gift of having this person see the ridiculousness of their question (if that were the case) or (and how cool is this) answer their own question!

5)   You bought yourself a few extra seconds to craft a more intelligent response. Don’t ever underestimate what you’re brain can do with a few more seconds. I’ve ascended into ridiculous levels of sarcasm all because I had a few extra seconds.

Just to be clear, I’m not suggesting that we avoid questions, or even not having the answers to commonly asked questions (even the awkward ones).

I’m simply inviting you to remember your manners and share some of that “awkward” . . .

With the wonderful person who gave it to you in the first place!