The ability to mind one’s own business is an important skill for both personal and professional success. It’s not a matter of being oblivious to the world around you, but rather knowing when and how to avoid getting involved in other people’s private conversations or dramas. Getting entangled in someone else’s problems can be unhelpful to both parties and damaging to your own mental health.
Fortunately, there are several polite ways to tell someone to mind their own business in a professional context without being rude or offensive. In this article, we’ll show you how to say “mind your own business” or “this doesn’t concern you” in a variety of situations, as well as some alternative phrases that are more appropriate for a workplace setting.
If you’re dealing with a nosey friend who always wants to know the details of your life, a simple but effective response could be ‘get your own life, dude.’ This light-hearted remark conveys that their intrusion into your affairs is unnecessary, and it’s likely to make them take notice of your disapproval.
If you prefer a slightly more formal way of telling someone to mind their own business, try using this phrase: ‘this discussion is not for you, please excuse us.’ It’s a straightforward and respectful way of telling them that they’re interrupting your conversation and not welcome in your circle of friends. It also adds an element of politeness that will ensure your response is received in the best possible light.