Some people don’t know when to stay in their lane.
They ask too many questions, comment on things that don’t concern them, or push for answers you’re not obligated to give. You don’t have to be rude to get your point across, of course, but you also don’t have to keep explaining yourself. These phrases help you hold the line with clarity, confidence, and a little grace.
1. “I’m keeping that private, but thanks for understanding.”
This is a firm but friendly way to close the door on a topic without being cold. You’re not apologising, just calmly stating that the conversation’s not going any further. It also helps set the tone early, so if someone’s dipping into your business, they’ll usually get the hint and back off.
You don’t owe anyone a reason for why you’re keeping something private. The second half of the sentence—“thanks for understanding”—keeps the tone civil and gives the other person a graceful way to step back without embarrassment. It’s effective, and it keeps things from turning awkward.
2. “That’s not something I’m comfortable talking about.”
This line works well for just about any situation. It’s short, direct, and doesn’t invite a follow-up. If someone asks something personal—about your health, your relationship, your plans—this gives you full control without having to explain why it feels like too much.
You’re not being difficult; you’re setting a basic boundary. People who respect you will accept this without hesitation. And if they don’t? That tells you everything you need to know about how much space to give them moving forward.
3. “That’s between me and the people directly involved.”
This is great when someone’s trying to insert themselves into something they’re not a part of. Whether it’s a family issue, a team conversation at work, or a personal decision, this phrase draws a line without inviting drama.
It sends a clear message: the conversation isn’t open to outside opinions. It shifts the focus back to where it belongs and subtly reminds them that not everything is up for debate or commentary, especially not from people watching from the sidelines.
4. “I know you’re curious, but I’d rather not get into it.”
This one works when someone’s being nosy without realising it. It softens the shutdown slightly by acknowledging the curiosity, but still clearly says, “Nope, not going there.” It keeps things light while holding your boundary.
If the person is just being chatty or thoughtless, this usually resets the tone without making things awkward. But if they’re being intentionally intrusive, it still holds strong—calm, clear, and done.
5. “That’s actually pretty personal, so I’d prefer to keep it to myself.”
There’s nothing wrong with reminding people that some things are just none of their business. This line works especially well when someone crosses the line into things like money, family issues, or health decisions.
It’s a polite way to say, “That’s not your lane.” You’re not defensive, you’re not making a scene—you’re just drawing a boundary that doesn’t need to come with an explanation. And you’re completely within your rights to do that.
6. “I’ve got it handled, but I appreciate your concern.”
When someone offers unwanted advice or tries to manage your life for you, this response gives them just enough credit without actually inviting more input. It’s calm and cordial, but also very clear: you don’t need their help.
This can also be useful when someone’s hovering or trying to step in where they’re not needed. You’re not being cold; you’re just gently reclaiming your space. If they keep pushing, you’re under no obligation to keep being polite.
7. “That’s not up for discussion right now.”
Sometimes people don’t take the hint the first time. When they keep circling back to something you don’t want to talk about, this phrase puts a clear stop to it. You’re shutting the topic down, and you’re doing it on your own terms.
It doesn’t leave much room for pushback, which is exactly the point. If they keep going, it becomes obvious that they’re ignoring a boundary. At that point, you’re completely justified in changing the subject or walking away.
8. “I’m focusing on what works for me right now.”
This is a great line when someone’s being judgemental or questioning your choices. Maybe they think you should parent differently, work more hours, or have different goals. This response puts the focus back where it belongs—on you.
It’s not defensive, and it doesn’t invite a debate. You’re simply saying, “This is my lane, and I’m staying in it.” It shows you’re confident in your choices, and that you’re not looking for outside approval.
9. “I know you mean well, but I’ve got it covered.”
This one works when you want to acknowledge someone’s intentions without letting them take over. Whether it’s a family member offering life advice or a co-worker trying to “fix” things for you, this line gets the point across.
It helps you take back your space without turning the interaction cold. If someone is used to overstepping, this can help set a boundary in a way that still gives them a soft landing. But you’re still the one steering the ship.
10. “That’s not something I’m opening up about at the moment.”
You don’t owe anyone full access to your inner world just because they ask. This phrase gives you breathing room without permanently closing the door. It’s useful for people you want to stay connected to, but not in this exact conversation.
Sometimes the best way to keep things respectful is to let people know this just isn’t the time. If they press further, it becomes about their discomfort, not your boundary. That’s not your problem to fix.
11. “I’m not taking feedback on that right now.”
Unsolicited opinions can feel intrusive, even when they’re delivered nicely. If someone’s weighing in on your choices, habits, or lifestyle without you asking, this phrase draws the line quickly. It doesn’t mean you’ll never listen to input—it just means now’s not the time, and the topic isn’t open. It’s a calm way to remind someone that advice needs to be invited, not assumed.
12. “Let’s not go there.”
Simple, direct, and incredibly effective. When someone’s pressing into something that’s clearly not their place—whether it’s gossip, assumptions, or personal questions—this stops them in their tracks without giving them anything extra to work with. You’re not angry, you’re just done. And the less explanation you offer, the more powerful this line becomes. You don’t need to argue, but you do need to make it clear that this is the end of the road.
13. “I get that you’re curious, but that’s something I keep to myself.”
Some people think curiosity gives them a free pass to dig into your life. This one acknowledges their interest without giving in to it. You’re not accusing them—you’re just setting the boundary. It works particularly well in social settings, where you want to keep things friendly without over-sharing. It shows you’re in control of what you share and when, and that you’re comfortable saying so out loud.
14. “That’s a personal decision, and I’m good with it.”
If someone’s questioning why you’re doing something a certain way—changing careers, staying single, setting a boundary—this reminds them that you’re not looking for approval or input. It’s calm and confident. It sends a message that you’ve thought it through, made a choice, and aren’t interested in defending it. You’re not inviting feedback; you’re closing the loop.
15. “I’m not really up for sharing that, but thanks for understanding.”
This one’s a solid all-rounder. It’s soft but clear, and it helps you exit a conversation without hurting anyone’s feelings. You’re not angry, but you are holding your space. It’s especially useful when you’re dealing with someone you want to keep things friendly with, like a co-worker or family member. It gives you an out without making it awkward, and sometimes, that’s all you need.
