Miss Manners: How do I reply when asked why my husband and I don’t have children?

"Miss Manners" Judith Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I have suffered from several years of infertility, and I am often asked why we don’t have children. As it’s none of their business, and for privacy reasons, I typically answer with, “Though it’s a desire, it has not come as easy for us as others.”

Whenever someone inquires further, I would like to know how to politely tell them none of their business.

GENTLE READER: In polite language, “None of your business” is translated as “That is a personal matter.”

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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

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