Dear Abby,

How should I respond to close friends — a couple — who are extremely nosy? Recently, the husband asked me if any of my siblings are citizens of the country my now-deceased parents emigrated from. When I replied no, he proceeded to ask me why. I was caught off guard by his rudeness and couldn’t answer. They both do this. I have mentioned previously that I’m very private about my family, yet they persist. How do I stop this rude behavior?

—Nosy Friends

Dear Nosy,

The next time you are asked something you feel is none of their business, respond by saying, “Why do you ask?” And when they answer, say, “That’s very personal,” and change the subject.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact D

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