The problem with these is is that most Aunties don't understand English. They will look at you speechless, but mostly because they dont know what you're talking about.
Anyways.....I have become an expert at dealing respectfully with these questions, RESPECTFULLY.
This is what I do when people ask me rude question. One time an Auntie asked me my weight (IN FRONT OF EVERYONE). I looked at her and smiled at her. I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING. After 30 seconds, it became so AWKWARD>>>>PPL started STARING AT HER!! she then said something like you're so thin, you should eat (i have the opposite problem, i'm really bony and look like walking skeleton), blah blah blah.
The point is YOU DON"T HAVE TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION AUNTIES ASK YOU!!!! **It feels wierd doing at first to just remain silent. Just smile (and if it's EXTREMELY RUDE< DON"T SMILE) and **don't answer. if they ask again (sometimes they think you didn't hear them), REMAIN SILENT. THEY will change the SUBJECT THEMSELVES!!!!! Once they change subject, return to normal convo.
this way you will not be considered rude. (in fact other people will think they ARE RUDE, and you handled it well). I learned this techniqie from my parents. And believe me you will get people, that will compliment you for this. The auntie who asked me my weight- her OWN daughter later told me "i realy liked how you handled the situation."!
Choti Jaan,
If you look at the last paragraph in my post, it implies that usually I deal with the aunties in a polite/respectful manner although they may not deserve it at the time. My post with its ridiculous ideas was simply out of fun. Kind of like those forwards you might get in your email containing a list of things you can say to annoy telemarketers. Believe me I've dealt with my share of aunti comments about my weight, hair, skin, job, major, what have you. There are some aunties who say things out of genuine concern and a sincere desire to help. And then there are some who have other intentions. And I've dealt with all of them quite politely and tactfully. I am aware of the consequences of "talking back" to an elder as it can potentially hurt your rep. At the same time, I don't always believe in being a pushover. Once in a while, if you see that someone is getting WAY OUT OF HAND, then they need to be "decently" put in their place. And there are several ways of doing that without being rude such as staying quiet (as you suggested) and that makes them look like the one who has messed up. Your "staying quiet" strategy was meant to tactfully put that aunti in her place and make her and everyone else realize her mistake. I just wanted to clarify myself for you. I get it.