How can I be assertive at work without being rude?

Question

So I told some people at work that I'm on a diet. I lost a few punds, but I feel like I only did the diet because they were telling me about it and not because I really wanted to.. I feel like it was peer pressure. This lady keeps asking me everyday how my diet is going. Somehow I feel scared to tell her that I'm not doing it anymore. How can I pretty much tell this person to back off and mind their own business in a polite way? I really don't think it is anyone's business anyway besides myself and my doctor. Any advice? Thank you :-)

Answer 1

Just say I've reached the goal as advised by my doctor so I'm doing what he or she says.

Answer 2

Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy.  But I always have to try to get people to laugh, so I would just say that I was having a little problem sticking to it, so I decided to expand it to include all the foods I like and it's going great now!

Answer 3

"I feel the pounds I have lost are enough. I don't want to be weak."

How is that?

Answer 4

She is only being friendly and making conversation with you. Just come back after the weekend and say you decided to have a break from the diet. If she trys to talk you out of it then say well I started the break on Saturday morning and am enjoying relaxing the rules a bit.

Answer 5

Well, I admire you in asking that question. It is very profound! Well you are an excellent guy! Thank you for asking! Good description and explanation. Very interesting question!

Answer 6

I too am dieting and my coworkers also know it.  At first I took their comments as encouragement but eventually they started irritating me.  I started saying the same response to everyone that inquired about my diet and that was "1 day at a time."  Some people that are looking for a connection with you ask you about it because they think it's important to you.  Others do it just to be messy.  Eventualy, the comments will die down.  You need to focus on yourself.  If and when you decide to diet again keep it to yourself.  One rule I try to follow is keeping business and personal life separate.  Don't be standoffish, just limit how much of your life you tell.  In the breakroom I mostly just listen to everybody else talk.  I laugh when somethings funny, small talk, but filter what bits of my personal life I share.

Answer 7

I would tell her that you don't like being asked about it every single day, so would she please stop.  If she gets huffy with you that's her problem.