I had an argument with a relative because they’re frustrated that when they ask me a question, I reply with, “I don’t know. Go look it up on Wikipedia.”

From my perspective, I’m not an expert and I won’t pretend to be one. Straightforward factual questions can be answered in seconds using the device everyone carries around that has access to nearly all recorded human knowledge. Guessing feels pointless.

From their perspective, they aren’t asking for an answer. They’re asking for my opinion as a form of small talk, and my response shuts that down. I don’t understand why someone would ask a question they don’t want answered, but I also know I’m not neurotypical.

If what they actually want is conversation rather than information, I think they should say that explicitly.

@atomicpoet Sometimes it’s to hear information from a trusted source, as not everyone is good at “doing their own research.”

I had an argument with a relative because they’re frustrated that when they ask me a question, I reply with, “I don’t know. Go look it up on Wikipedia.”

From my perspective, I’m not an expert and I won’t pretend to be one. Straightforward factual questions can be answered in seconds using the device everyone carries around that has access to nearly all recorded human knowledge. Guessing feels pointless.

From their perspective, they aren’t asking for an answer. They’re asking for my opinion as a form of small talk, and my response shuts that down. I don’t understand why someone would ask a question they don’t want answered, but I also know I’m not neurotypical.

If what they actually want is conversation rather than information, I think they should say that explicitly.

@atomicpoet there might be something that one can respond, that doesn’t sound dismissive, and respects everyone’s boundaries. Something that conveys that one doesn’t feel like an expert, and prefers not to share their opinions on that subject. It can even become a canned/kind response to save time and energy.