# Why would you ask something like that? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 17, 2000, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047 "2000-04-17T03:28:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2000, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047/1 "2000-04-17T03:28:00Z")
There is this guy that I work with that is always asking questions that need no answer. For instance he is 5’5" weighs over 250# and asked me if his uniform makes him look fat. I mean how am I supposed to answer a question like that? No it’s not the uniform that makes you look fat? Of course I lied and said no but he must know he’s overweight so why ask? Anyone else know of anyone like that? ---
**Author:** ![DAYIUZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DAYIUZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DAYIUZ)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2000, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047/2 "2000-04-17T03:40:00Z")
I think you should stand up to him. Next time he asks you something stupid, call him on it. As for the Uniform question, I would have said, “No the uniform doesn’t make you look fat, your enormus gut makes you look fat!” But thats just me. * * * Thats the truth and anyone who has heard otherwise has been misinformed. ---
**Author:** ![Anti\_Pro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Anti\_Pro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anti_Pro)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2000, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047/3 "2000-04-17T04:18:00Z")
I hope you were joking, Day, you must be pretty lonely, if you say \*\* everything \*\* that comes to your mind! Markxxx, I’m not sure why people ask questions like that, but I certainly wouldn’t answer directly. What is there to be gained by being so blunt? Whatever color the suit is, ‘you look nice in whatever color it is’ with a smile. Kind and civil beats bluntness every day of the week. Unless you’re his doctor! Men could learn this valuable lesson, don’t answer the question, answer the \*\* need \*\* that is being shown: “honey, does this dress make me look fat?” \* usually means \* “I’m feeling insecure, please reassure me.” Without a pause, sweep her into your arms and tell her she’s gorgeous. You’ll be \* so glad \* and you’ll BOTH forget the question!! Answer it bluntly, and \* neither of you will ever forget \* the fight that ensues! * * * “I never saw so many words compressed into so small an idea.” Abraham Lincoln ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2000, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047/4 "2000-04-17T15:39:00Z")
I just say ‘no comment’ [VERY VERY useful if a woman ever asks a guy if he thinks that she is fat]. Eventually, enough 'no comment’s the guy won’t ask you anymore…hopefully, right? ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2000, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047/5 "2000-04-17T15:44:00Z")
DON’T DO WHAT HANDY SAYS, GUYS!! Jesus, handy, be careful. Telling a woman “no comment” is like saying “yeah, you are one fat broad” AND “I am too much of a weasel to speak my mind” at the same time… the only thing that can result is a complete bloodbath. Remember, kids. The answer is, and always will be: **[Surprised Look]_“No honey, of course you don’t look fat!”_[/Surprised Look]** ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2000, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-ask-something-like-that/16047/6 "2000-04-17T16:04:00Z")
I would just heavily (sorry…) advise that you NOT attempt to sweep this man into your arms telling him that he is gorgeous. * * * Sala, can’t you count?!? I said NO camels! That’s FIVE camels!