When you blurt out “mind your own business,” the message is loud—maybe too loud. It can burn bridges, hurt feelings, or escalate tension. But sometimes, someone is overstepping. In those moments, you want words that:
- Protect your boundaries
- Keep relationships civil
- Don’t sound hostile
- Clearly communicate: “This is not your concern”
Polite professional boundary phrases
- I appreciate your concern, but I’ve got it handled
- Thank you for your interest, but I prefer to deal with this myself
- I’m comfortable with my approach, thank you
- I’ll reach out if I need assistance
- I have this under control
- Let’s each stick to our responsibilities
- This falls under my purview
- I believe that’s more within my role
- Let’s focus on what we’re each assigned
- I value your input, but I’ll take it from here
- That’s outside your scope, but thank you
- I prefer to manage this independently
- I’m confident in how I’m handling this
- I’ll ask for help if necessary, thanks
- That is not part of your remit
- This is within my domain
- I trust your judgment, but I’m okay here
- Let’s keep to our individual tasks
- I’m going to handle this internally
- Let’s redirect our energy to what each of us must do
- Thank you, but I have it under control
- This is a matter I need to own
- I appreciate your interest, but I’ll manage
- I need to handle it myself for now
- Let’s stay focused on our parts
- I prefer to resolve this privately
- That’s part of my area, thanks
- I’ll keep you updated if I need input
- Let’s not stray into each other’s tasks
- I’m ok dealing with that on my own
Gentle personal boundary phrases
- I’d rather not discuss that right now
- That’s a bit personal, thank you
- I prefer to keep this private
- I don’t feel comfortable sharing that
- I’d like to handle it myself
- Let’s stay on topic, please
- I understand your curiosity, but this is private
- I’d rather keep that to myself
- I’m not ready to talk about it
- Let’s leave that out of this conversation
- That’s something I’m working through
- I’d prefer some space on that
- Thanks, but that’s between me and others
- I hope you understand if I pass on that
- I’m not comfortable discussing that publicly
- That’s personal, and I want to keep it so
- Let’s not go there right now
- I’d prefer to keep it between me and them
- Let’s stay focused elsewhere
- That’s not for public discussion
- I’ll share when I feel ready
- Thank you, but that’s off limits
- I’d rather keep that private for now
- That’s not within my comfort to discuss
- I’d appreciate your respect for my privacy
- That topic is off the table
- I hope you’ll respect this boundary
- Let’s move on from that subject
- I’ll address it when I want to
- Let’s drop that, please
Firm but respectful redirections
- Let’s focus on what’s relevant here
- That’s not something I can talk about
- Let’s keep to the agenda
- That’s outside the realm of our discussion
- That’s not something I can comment on
- Let’s concentrate on what matters now
- That’s off topic for this discussion
- I prefer to stay focused
- That’s not my area, but I can refer you
- That isn’t something I’ll discuss further
- Let’s avoid drifting into that
- That’s outside the scope of this conversation
- I don’t have anything to say on that
- That’s not pertinent to what we’re doing
- Let’s respect boundaries here
- That’s not something I’ll engage in
- I can’t take that on
- Let’s concentrate on our tasks
- That’s beyond my remit
- I’m not the person to discuss that with
- Let’s realign to the subject at hand
- That’s not germane to this issue
- I prefer to have that conversation another time
- Let’s return to relevant topics
- That’s outside my knowledge here
- That’s not part of this discussion
- I can’t weigh in on that
- Let’s stay on our topic
- That’s beyond my responsibility
- I decline to comment on that
Indirect but clear statements
- I hope you’ll understand this is private
- I prefer to stay in my lane
- Let’s stay within our roles
- That’s better handled by me
- I’ll share more when appropriate
- I’d appreciate your respect for my boundaries
- Let’s each stick to what we know
- That’s not for public consumption
- Let me manage this
- Let’s each take our own path
- That’s between me and (them)
- I’ll let you know if I want input
- That’s a decision I need to make
- Let me take care of that
- That matter is personal to me
- I’ll sort that out privately
- That’s someone else’s issue
- Let’s let this rest
- I’ll respond when ready
- That’s not my place to share
- Let’s preserve some privacy
- This is for me to handle
- That’s not part of our talk
- Let me do that my way
- That’s not within my concern now
- I’ll let you know if I need you
- This is my decision to make
- Let’s maintain boundaries
- That’s on me to manage
- We can avoid this topic
Sharp but non-hostile replies
- With respect, it’s not your concern
- That’s not something I’m required to discuss
- I’d prefer you not involve yourself
- That’s none of your business
- I don’t see why that’s relevant to you
- Let’s keep personal matters personal
- Please refrain from commenting on that
- That’s off-limits
- That doesn’t concern you
- I’m not going to explain that
- Let’s leave that alone
- That’s not your affair
- I’m not comfortable with that direction
- Please let me manage this
- That’s private, thank you
- It’s not necessary you know
- I don’t believe that’s your domain
- Let’s end this line of talk
- That’s not something I can share
- Let’s not cross boundaries
- I don’t want your input on that
- That’s not relevant to you
- Let’s not discuss that
- That’s not your duty
- I won’t entertain that
- That’s not for your ears
- Please stop prying
- I prefer you not meddle
- That is off the table
- Respect my decision
Context-sensitive phrases (for work, friends, family)
- In a meeting: Let’s stick to the agenda
- To a coworker: That’s outside your project
- With a friend: I’d rather handle this myself
- With a family member: I appreciate your interest, but this is personal
- At work: This falls under my role
- With someone prying: I’d prefer to keep this private
- In a group chat: I’ll comment later when ready
- With someone giving advice: Thanks, but I’m okay
- In an email: I have this under control
- To a partner: I’ll tell you when I’m ready
- At social gathering: Let’s change the topic
- In a discussion: That’s not up for sharing
- With a sibling: This is for me to figure out
- With a coworker: Let’s concentrate on our tasks
- With a nosy acquaintance: I prefer to keep that private
- To someone uninvited: Thanks, but I’ll manage
- In parenting: I’ll handle this
- With an outsider: That’s beyond your role
- In a project: That part is already allocated
- With a neighbor: I have it covered
- In text message: I’ll reach out if needed
- In conflict: Let’s stay on topic
- At work: That’s not your jurisdiction
- At family dinner: I’d prefer not to talk about that
- In advice-giving: Thanks, but I’ll decide
- In meeting: Let’s not stray
- With someone overstepping: I’d rather not
- With a colleague: That’s my responsibility
- With close friend: I’ll share when ready
- With acquaintance: That’s between me and them
Humorous or softer comebacks (lighter tone)
- I’m not hiring extra consultants
- I’ve got too many bosses already
- My space is full, sorry
- I’ll holler if I need help
- No additional managers allowed
- I’m booked on that topic
- My “help” quota is full
- Running solo on this one
- You’re on “watch only” mode
- I’m flying solo here
- No outside interference today
- I prefer to DIY this
- This is my solo project
- Reservations closed for commentary
- Comments section closed
- I’m my own bodyguard
- I’ll send you the minutes if needed
- No hands needed, thanks
- Self-service only
- I’ve got a “no meddling” sign
- I prefer to remain the CEO of this issue
- Thanks, but I’m going unassisted
- Standing by for myself
- I’m taking the reins
- No extraneous input accepted
- I’ll call if backup needed
- I’m controlling the remote
- This is under solo management
- I prefer this as a solo mission
- Input console closed
How to choose the right phrase
- Tone matters: Use a gentle one with friends, firmer at work.
- Consider relationship: A boundary with a friend vs a coworker will differ.
- Pick clarity over cleverness: Make sure the person understands you.
- Be consistent: Once you set a boundary, maintain it.
- Nonverbal cues help: Tone, pauses, and posture amplify your message.
