General Etiquette > All In A Day's Work

Can I lie to boss about being PG?

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NutMeg:
I would tell him that in the future, he should never ever ask a woman if she is pregnant because it is very rude and intrusive. Say this in a polite tone of voice, act like you are trying to do him a favour by letting him know. Don't answer the question, just tell him that he will really offend people if he continues to ask that question. If he keeps asking, look angry/upset and don't answer.

Edit: Or maybe something like this:

"Boss, I have a big problem with you asking me that. For one, it is illegal for an employer to ask an employee that question.* Now let's imagine I am not pregnant. Then you have just asked me an intrusive question about my personal life, and made me feel self-conscious about my body. If I am pregnant, you have just asked me an intrusive question about my personal life, and have put in a difficult situation. If I don't want you to know then I either have to lie or tell you much sooner than I intended. "

*I'm not sure about including this.

Lynn2000:
You could also say something like, "Hmm, that's a very personal question," with whatever kind of tone and look you feel is appropriate for the setting (slight boredom is a good one). This only works if you tend to be NOT forthcoming about your personal life, though, and might say the same thing to lots of different questions. For someone who frequently discusses personal matters at work, it would basically be the same as answering "yes," I think (or at least people would assume that).

Oh Joy:
Wanting to wait until after the 12-week mark is both common and understandable, even if you have a boss who has never heard of it.

I wouldn't recommend lying, nor telling him before the 'right' time.  If he's impolite or clueless enough to ask (avoiding any legal angles with a ten-foot pole), a raised censoring eyebrow and a small smile can honestly accompany a response of 'that's private' before resuming appropriate water-cooler or professional conversation.  If he persists, Lynn's wording of 'That's a very personal question,' or a similar phrase should make it clear that you won't be answering him.

Best wishes (and sticky hugs until twelve weeks!).

Iris:
Depends on how light your relationship with your boss is. Personally, I would laugh and say "Frank! Don't you know you NEVER ask a woman if she is pregnant unless she is actually in labour right in front of you. You'll get in big trouble for that one day!" then beandip.

Witty Username Goes Here:
Just wondering, what about when your morning sickness comes on?  You'll be way before the 12 week mark, probably.  I know you said you don't see your boss on a daily basis, but on the occasions that you do see your boss and you run for the bathroom every little while, he'll figure it out on his own. 

I wouldn't tell him on my own, but if he asks, I would tell him I was indeed pregnant and ask him to keep the news to himself until you're ready to share with your co-workers.  Though I will also say most men are clueless.  ;) 

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  Wishing you a very happy and healthy nine months!

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