Why is it rude to talk about money?

[simple101]

Why is it whenever I mention money to people, I am met with a mildly aggressive response along the lines of... please go away, I dont wish to talk about it.

Be it salary or savings, my account of thiers, whats the harm in discussing personal finance? We are happy to talk about relationships, holidays, cars etc but not money.

Why is this?

(I dont go around asking everyone i meet what they earn but on the odd occasion the topic will pop up and this is the normal response.)

[iggletiggle]

its odd isnt it..

A very close friend of mine and i were talking at the weekend, and we always banter about everything and for the first time ever breached the how much do you earn questions.. the conversation was short and moved on swiftly which i found a little odd really ..

I guess its just one of those things that people dont like to talk about (like admitting they find jordan attractive or enjoy kissing pigs)

ETA - I don't endulge in either of above activities.

Edited by iggletiggle on Monday 19th April 11:34

[Bing o]

It's considered vulgar in UK culture. Try the US, they'll love you.

[surrey7er]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHo2pXO_XAI

this explains.

[gilla]

personally I don't care... but lots of people do... never have understood it

[MidlandDan84]

Normally considered vulgar. When i meet up with my old mates from Uni, we talk about everything except money, we all have gone our own ways and i do earn alot more than all of them.

However, that doesnt / shouldnt change anything, looking like a Flash Harry makes you look like a !

[ShadownINja]

It'd be interesting to know how much those who don't mind talking about it and those who do mind talking about it earn/own. I suspect the more they have, the less likely they are to be comfortable discussing it.

[WorAl]

I don't understand either, maybe they fear being jealous?

[Plotloss]

Why on earth would you wish to discuss something as ghastly as a money?

It's a non topic.

[Eddh]

Most of my friends from school are now at uni or in st minimum wage jobs. If I get asked what I earn I just don't say, I don't earn much compared to people on here but it is a lot more than most people I was at school with.

[SystemParanoia]

it depends if youre a "Have" or a "Have not"

[simple101]

Plotloss said:

Why on earth would you wish to discuss something as ghastly as a money?

It's a non topic.

This is my point.

[4nonymous]

I hate talking about money purely on the basis that a) its no ones business and b) people in england like to judge.

[Neil H]

Most only want to know how much you earn so they can compare it with their own salary, and decide who's doing better out of life. What other reason is there? Some people can be a bit strange if they find out you earn more than they do.

It's private business and not really polite conversation IMHO. Like discussing what you do with your OH in the bedroom.

[Justayellowbadge]

If I had a pound for every time this topic has come up..

[Adam B]

simple101 said:

Why is it whenever I mention money to people, I am met with a mildly aggressive response along the lines of... please go away, I dont wish to talk about it.

Be it salary or savings, my account of thiers, whats the harm in discussing personal finance? We are happy to talk about relationships, holidays, cars etc but not money.

Why is this?

(I dont go around asking everyone i meet what they earn but on the odd occasion the topic will pop up and this is the normal response.)

why is it you want to know what someone else earns? Jealousy, to glout or just being nosey?

[Plotloss]

simple101 said:

Plotloss said:

Why on earth would you wish to discuss something as ghastly as a money?

It's a non topic.

This is my point.

Well it's not really is it?

You're suggesting you don't understand why people don't wish to talk about money.

They don't wish to talk about it because it's not a topic of discussion. It's a means to an end.

He who dies with the most toys, still dies.

[SystemParanoia]

Neil H said:

Most only want to know how much you earn so they can compare it with their own salary, and decide who's doing better out of life. What other reason is there? Some people can be a bit strange if they find out you earn more than they do.

It's private business and not really polite conversation IMHO. Like discussing what you do with your OH in the bedroom.

and just what DO you do with your OH in the bedroom ?

[hooperpride]

4nonymous said:

people in england like to judge

I'd agree with that, it causes more hassle than it's worth.

[Don]

simple101 said:

Plotloss said:

Why on earth would you wish to discuss something as ghastly as a money?

It's a non topic.

This is my point.

It's about what you intend to DO with some of it that's more interesting to chat about. Money is just...money.