To think that it's an unwritten rule that if you bump into someone you know in the doctors waiting room you don't ask what they're there for?

[DextersMistress]

You chat, make small talk etc. but asking why you're seeing the doctor is so rude imo. Aibu? Doesn't everyone know this??

God yes!

Yanbu.

Yanbu. But I can imagine me asking that as a automatic reaction, whilst thinking 'what the fuck are you asking that for?'

But in fairness I would then correct myself and say 'I shouldn't have asked that...sorry'

Another unwritten rule as an adult is that you're capable of deflecting, avoiding or lying to deal with this.

God yes! Though dh once bumped into a friend who was picking up maternity notes and had them in hand. That was awkward as of course it was well before the pregnancy was being made public knowledge. Dh was dropping in his sample post vasectomy. Interesting conversation that was

I assume it's a gauche attempt at bringing the conversation round to what they're there for. 'Ah, just routine. You okay?' generally sets things in the right direction. Persistent probers will be told to bog off.

YANBU Although my automatic response when seeing someone I vaguely know is Hello - how are you? Bloody stupid question at the GPs! Obviously I don't really want a run-down on their health status. However, my automatic response to such a question is always fine thanks - as I hobble/hack/crawl my way into the consulting room

Of course, yanbu. Persistent probers that can't be frozen out with a hard stare will be treated to a gory account of my entirely fictional piles. Or even offered a peek.

Yanbu! I had someone I didn't know decide after polite chat (through gritted teeth, clutching guts, one word answers from me) decide to start asking why I was there when I was waiting in A&E!

I tend to say "everything ok?"

This gives them a chance to either say "oh yeah fine thanks" meaning bugger off I don't want to talk about it or "actually I'm really scared. I've found a lump somewhere" meaning they want to talk about it but don't have a chance without sounding rude

God yes!

I think I'd give the answer of "To see the doctor ".

And if they didn't immediately change the subject then I'd just raise an eyebrow.

I just find it so awkward and find myself stumbling over words. What I want to say is 'well that's none of your fucking business'

Or my dm's over sharing friend, 'hi Dex, I'm having a smear today, what you in for'?