Meaning/implication of “you don’t have to do this” in this context?
I’m a bit confused, mainly because I’ve never been told this before. I once was trying to talk to someone I met, and asked them questions about themselves to get to know them.
After a while, they just said, “You don’t have to do this, you know. I’m fine with being silent.”
How would you respond to this? I don’t really know the implications or anything.
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Yeah, it looks like they were more into being quiet and non interactive.
Generally, I would have said it differently because I'm an old fart and not afraid to say "hey, could you chill on the questions, I'm not up for it." Not only am I fine with being direct, I also don't feel the need to be snarky.
So obviously, I'm also not likely to ever have to respond to such a statement as theirs.
So, what I think would be the ideal response is different from how I would actually respond.
In your place, I think something along the lines of "cool, no problem" would have been best. It lets them know you got the message, but doesn't push back on a stranger for being a bit of a dick, which can be risky.
Okay, thank you! We said a bit more later and they asked me “Is there anything you’ve never told anyone because people would laugh at you?” That one thing they said just kinda confused me
They were opening up about themselves, not implying something about you.
People who actually listen are rare.
Thank you! I meant implying something in general
