Unwanted opinions are everywhere, unfortunately.
It might be a well-meaning relative, an overconfident colleague, or a stranger who thinks they know best — either way, some people just can’t resist chiming in. While ignoring them is an option, sometimes you need a quick comeback to shut it down without causing unnecessary drama. The trick is finding the right balance of being assertive enough to set boundaries without turning it into a full-blown confrontation. If you’re tired of dealing with people who always put their two pence in where it’s not wanted, here are a few ways to handle them.
1. “Ah, yes, because I was definitely looking for input.”
There’s nothing more frustrating than someone offering their opinion when you didn’t ask for it. Whether they’re commenting on your career, your parenting style, or even what you’re wearing, some people genuinely believe their input is necessary.
This response is dripping with sarcasm, making it clear that their opinion wasn’t requested. It works well in casual situations where you want to brush them off without getting into a debate. Delivered with a smile, it lets them know they’ve overstepped without causing unnecessary tension.
2. “I’ll add that to the list of opinions I didn’t ask for.”
Some people have a habit of giving unsolicited advice on everything — what you should eat, how you should spend your money, or what life choices you should be making. No matter what the topic is, they can’t help but chime in.
Responding with this line lets them know you’re not interested while keeping things lighthearted. It acknowledges their input but makes it clear that their opinion won’t be affecting your decisions. If they don’t take the hint, you can always follow it up with an exaggerated “noted!” and move on.
3. “Noted. Moving on.”
Sometimes, the best way to handle an opinion you didn’t ask for is to acknowledge it as briefly as possible and then steer the conversation elsewhere. There’s no need to argue or explain yourself — just move on.
This phrase is perfect for shutting down a conversation quickly. It’s short, to the point, and makes it clear that you’re not interested in debating. If someone keeps pushing their viewpoint, repeating this with increasing disinterest will eventually make them stop.
4. “Interesting take. Anyway…”
People who love to insert their opinions often expect you to engage, debate, or at least take what they’re saying seriously. But sometimes, the best way to shut them down is to acknowledge their comment without giving it any real weight.
This is polite enough to avoid conflict, but dismissive enough to make it clear that their opinion isn’t changing anything. It works best in situations where you don’t want to be rude, but also don’t want to entertain an unnecessary conversation.
5. “I’m sure that works for you, but I’ll stick to my way.”
Some people don’t just offer opinions; they insist that their way is the only right way. They’ll tell you how you should be parenting, how you should be eating, or even how you should be living your life, all with the confidence of someone who thinks they’ve cracked the code to existence.
This response sets a boundary while remaining polite. It acknowledges their perspective without giving them room to argue. It’s particularly effective when someone is trying to pressure you into making a decision that you’re perfectly comfortable with already.
6. “That’s an opinion, alright.”
Not every comment deserves a serious response. Some opinions are so out of touch or unnecessary that they barely warrant engagement. In these cases, a neutral but dismissive response can be the best way to move on.
Delivered with a slight nod or an amused smile, this one makes it clear that while you heard them, you’re not interested in discussing it further. It’s especially useful for shutting down controversial or outdated takes without getting into a debate.
7. “I’ll be sure to lose sleep over that.”
When someone insists on offering their unwanted opinion in a condescending or judgmental way, a little sarcasm can go a long way. Whether it’s a snide remark about your career choices, your relationship, or your personal style, this lets them know just how little their opinion matters.
It’s particularly effective when someone is acting as if their input is the most important thing in the world. Saying it with an exaggerated expression of concern makes it even funnier and more effective at shutting down the conversation.
8. “I didn’t realise I was taking a survey.”
Some people seem to think their opinion is required in every situation, even when it’s completely unnecessary. They’ll weigh in on what you’re eating, what you’re wearing, or even how you’re spending your free time. Responding in this way points out how ridiculous it is that they feel the need to comment on everything. It’s a playful way to brush off their input while making it clear that their opinion wasn’t needed in the first place.
9. “I’ll think about that… and probably do the opposite.”
Sometimes, people are so insistent about their opinions that it almost makes you want to do the exact opposite just to prove a point. Whether it’s an unsolicited lecture about your life choices or an aggressive attempt to steer you in a different direction, this one lets them know their opinion won’t be influencing your decisions.
It works especially well in situations where someone is being overly pushy. Saying it with a smirk adds to the effect, making it clear that you’re not taking their advice seriously.
10. “That’s one way to look at it.”
For times when you just don’t want to engage but also don’t want to be outright dismissive, this is a great way to acknowledge their comment without agreeing with it. It keeps things neutral while still making it clear that you’re not interested in debating.
It’s particularly useful when dealing with people who love to debate but don’t know when to stop. By not giving them anything to argue with, you can avoid an exhausting back-and-forth while still standing your ground.
11. “I prefer to take advice from people who actually know what they’re talking about.”
Few things are more irritating than someone offering advice on something they clearly know nothing about. Whether it’s a relative with no experience in your field telling you how to do your job or a stranger insisting they know more about your own life than you do, this calls them out. It’s a little blunt, but sometimes that’s necessary. It’s a great way to shut down someone who constantly acts like an expert on everything without any real knowledge.
12. “How fascinating… but I’ll pass.”
This is the perfect way to keep things polite while still making it clear that you won’t be taking their advice. It acknowledges their input without inviting more discussion. It works especially well in situations where you want to disengage from the conversation without making things awkward. A small nod before changing the subject seals the deal.
13. “Cool story. Anyway…”
For people who just won’t stop offering their two pence, sometimes the best approach is to completely brush it off. This is casual, dismissive, and makes it clear that their opinion isn’t affecting your decision-making. It’s best used when someone is rambling on about something that has nothing to do with them. By moving the conversation along immediately, you make it clear that you’re not interested in engaging further.
14. “You must be exhausted giving out all this unsolicited advice.”
For the chronic opinion-giver, this is a bit of a passive-aggressive way to call out their behaviour, but it’s still playful. It reminds them just how often they offer input where it’s not needed. It works best when delivered with a smile, keeping the tone playful rather than confrontational. If they have any self-awareness, they might just take the hint.
