# Responding to the polite "non-question"

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responding-to-the-polite-non-question/669384>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [September 21, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responding-to-the-polite-non-question/669384 "2013-09-21T15:22:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 32

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**Author:** ![Mgalindo13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ea5d25/32.png) [@Mgalindo13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mgalindo13)\
**Post date:** [September 23, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responding-to-the-polite-non-question/669384/32 "2013-09-23T16:28:23Z")

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> [@Cub\_Mistress](#):
>
> I was recently at a party when the host asked if I minded if he smoked inside. As it was his house, I felt like it would be impolite of me to say no. That was my downfall, because as soon as the host lit up, so did a good 90% of the other party guests.

Isn’t this another example of how someone feels in response to what could likely be a legitimate question? Do you honestly think he would have labeled you as rude had you asked him to step outside?

> [@Cub\_Mistress](#):
>
> ☹ next time, I will say yes, please go outside, as I am allergic to smoke!

You may want to avoid using that excuse considering cigarette smoke can’t actually cause an allergic reaction as it lacks any protein to cause an immune system response.

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