The One Question That Ruffles My Feathers”

“The One Question That Ruffles My Feathers”

Questions are the windows to curiosity, the bridges to understanding, and the catalysts for meaningful conversations. They shape dialogues, reveal perspectives, and often spark revelations. However, not all questions are welcome. Some pry too deep, others rest too heavy, and a few, despite their innocence, manage to sting like an uninvited winter chill.

If there is one question that unsettles me, it is this: “What do you do all day?”

At first glance, it appears harmless—perhaps even a genuine inquiry laced with curiosity. Yet, beneath its seemingly innocuous exterior, it carries an undertone of judgment, an unspoken assumption that a person’s worth is tied exclusively to tangible productivity. The question subtly implies that one’s daily pursuits must be accounted for, justified, or defended.

The Silent Sting of Assumptions

Life, at any stage, is a rich tapestry woven with experience, reflection, and purpose. The idea that one’s daily routine must always conform to a structured, conventional definition of work is, at best, outdated and, at worst, dismissive. It disregards the invisible yet significant pursuits that fill one’s hours—intellectual engagement, personal growth, creative expression, and moments of quiet introspection.

It also presumes that productivity is solely measured in economic terms, sidelining contributions that cannot be quantified in balance sheets. Whether one is engaged in writing, mentoring, exploring ideas, or simply embracing a well-earned pause, each moment holds its own merit.

Beyond the Surface: The Depth of a Day

A day well spent need not always translate into a list of accomplished tasks. Some days are devoted to deep thinking, others to creative exploration. Some are enriched by books, music, and nature; others by conversations that spark new perspectives. In these moments, life breathes beyond the mechanical ticking of a clock.

To ask, “What do you do all day?” is to assume that a life must be packed with visible action to be meaningful. Yet, some of the most profound transformations happen in stillness, away from the eyes of the world.

A Question Better Left Unasked

Instead of framing a question that subtly scrutinises, perhaps a better approach would be to ask, “What have you been reflecting on lately?” or “What has inspired you recently?” These invite conversation without judgement. They acknowledge that value is not always tied to action but often to thought, experience, and purpose.

So, the next time someone poses that dreaded question, I might just smile and say, “Oh, you’d be surprised how much a day holds.” And then, I’d leave them guessing.