Asking someone’s age is generally considered impolite or too personal, particularly in Western cultures, as it can be seen as judgmental or associated with age discrimination. While acceptable for children or in specific, necessary situations, it is often seen as a breach of etiquette for adults, especially women, as it can be perceived as an intrusive question that treats age as a measure of social worth.

Is it normal to ask someone's age?

The bottom line? Believing it's rude to ask someone's age only reinforces the idea that age is something to hide. That belief doesn't protect us; it perpetuates ageism.

Where asking someone's age isn't rude?

Social relations based on age in modern-day Korea are a legacy of Confucian teachings that emphasize respect for one's elders. Younger people are expected to show respect to those who are older, according to Robert Fouser, a former professor at Seoul National University.

Is it considered rude to ask a woman her age?

People often say not to ask a woman her age because, in some cultures, age is considered a sensitive or personal topic. For some, it might feel like they're being judged or stereotyped based on their age, whether they're younger or older.

How do you say to ask someone's age?

How to Be Polite When Asking “How Old Are You?” in English

1. Would you mind if I asked how old you are?
2. Do you mind telling me how old you are?
3. Can I ask how old you are?
4. Are you comfortable sharing your age?

Is it appropriate to ask someone their age? | Age Etiquette | Modern Manners and Etiquette

How to ask someone's age without being creepy?

What's the most polite way to ask someone's age? “Would you mind if I ask how old you are?” is a polite, direct way to ask someone's age. By saying “Would you mind,” you acknowledge that they may or may not care to share.

How to deal with age shaming?

Here are the best retorts:

1. "You better get your eyes checked—you must need glasses."
2. "Oh—thanks, little boy." (Because it's always young men who do this.)
3. Responding to “Can I help you, young lady?”: "Yes, you can help me get my shoe out of your butt if you say that again."
4. "You can call me 'Barbara. ...
5. "I'm 93.

Why is asking age rude on Reddit?

Your age (especially as a woman) is seen by many as a measure of your social worth - putting someone on the spot about it risks making them feel like you're sizing them up. In this context it's also considered rude to ask someone how much money they earn.

Why shouldn't we ask a man his salary?

The common consensus is that questions about a person's salary are “rude” and therefore off-limits. Divulging your salary can make you feel self-conscious because you're afraid that people will either pity or envy you, and neither of those are comfortable positions.

How to respond when people ask your age?

You don't need to be rude when declining to give your age. Be lighthearted; simply explain that you don't see why it's relevant. If someone comes up with a good reason to know, then fine, no problem. But if they are simply being nosy, then it's your right to refuse.

What can I say instead of age?

• old age.
• advancing years.
• decline.
• majority.
• maturity.
• senescence.
• senility.
• seniority.

Is it rude to ask a coworker their age?

I wouldn't ask age regardless of what you think policy might allow though. Can easily be misconstrued as a precursor to age based discrimination or an attempt to determine if a colleague would be an age appropriate date. Not saying I think people always do this, just those are the things HR has to worry about.

How to know someone's real age?

The Census Bureau provides an "age search" service to the public. We will search the confidential records from the Federal population censuses of 1910 to 2020 and issue an official transcript of the results (for a congressionally mandated fee).

Does age matter if you like someone?

Most people think that what matters most in relationships are things like age or looks. The truth is that these things don't matter as much as the person's personality and sense of values.

Is it rude to ask a lady for her age?

As Tom has explained, someone else's age is not usually considered any of your business in English speaking culture. It may or may not be rude, but it's weird, and people may think you discriminate based on age / youth (or perhaps you're looking for personal data you can use to impersonate them).

Why shouldn't we tell our age?

People may lie about their age to feel more accepted, avoid age-related discrimination, or appear more competitive in certain social or professional settings. Some people may feel younger than their chronological age and genuinely identify more closely with a younger age group.

Is it rude to ask a woman her age in Japan?

She told me that she was rarely asked about her age because people understand it's considered impolite. She emphasized that in Japan, asking a woman her age is often avoided due to cultural sensitivities around age and youth.

How to know someone's age without asking?

Deducing Someone's Age Using a Selected Number

1. Ask your friend to choose a number between two and ten. ...
2. Multiply the given number by two. ...
3. Add five to the answer. ...
4. Multiply that number by 50. ...
5. Ask your friend if they've already celebrated their birthday for this year. ...
6. Subtract the year that they were born.

How to casually ask someone their birthday?

Here are some friendly ways to ask: 1. "By the way, when's your birthday?" 2. "I'm curious, what day is your birthday?" 3. "When do you celebrate your birthday?" 4.

What is an example of age Microaggression?

Harassment in the workplace occurs when someone makes you feel humiliated, offended or degraded based on an individual's age. This behaviour can include bullying, nicknames and threats. This could include pretending an older employee is deaf or teasing a colleague by saying that they are too young to know any better.

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