Responding with Why? to a binary question

[leroyjenkens]

If I did have have a gun, I would simply say "no" , no reason to ask why they need a gun, not many things to choose between :D

So you assume, possibly incorrectly, that they're going to kill someone or commit suicide.
"Can I borrow your gun?"
"No"
"Ok bye"
He goes and jumps off a building.

Or...
"Can I borrow your gun?"
"Why do you want to borrow my gun?"
"I want to kill myself"
"Let's go get you some help"
You both live happily ever after.

I hope you don't have any suicidal friends.

 

[lendav_rott]

If one has decided to commit suicide, god bless man. If they really want to die they will find ways other than a bullet in the head and if they Really want to die, no amount of comfort and nice words will change that. No, I don't have any suicidal friends, I appreciate the concern. Although I love the way you gave the other example, fortunately I don't have to deal with that, therefore it isn't my concern, since I don't have time enough to worry about such things and god forgive me, I don't really care.

 

[Ben Niehoff]

There is another question that I always answer with a question:

"Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

:D