Pregnancy is a uniquely private and public experience. The details of your conception and family planning are usually kept between you, your partner, and maybe a small support group of medical professionals… until you start showing, of course. After your baby bump becomes apparent, it seems that everyone from distant relatives to strangers at the grocery store will want to touch your baby bump, prod you with questions, or worse, bombard you with pregnancy advice.

Sometimes these encounters are sweet. Other times, they’re overwhelming. So, what’s the best way to deal with all of that new and unwanted attention? Well, it depends on who it’s coming from. In the first part of this two-part series, we’ll give you advice for dealing with nosy strangers.

Cut it Short
Okay, so if you’re trapped in a long grocery store line, you might not be able to escape inquiring minds. But when you’re out and about, and want to get out of a close encounter, just say, “I’ve got to go” or “I really need to finish up what I’m working on here” and shut it down. Remember, you don’t owe strangers any information about your personal life!

Laugh it Off
This is great advice for most situations, but especially when you’re pregnant. There are so many more important things to worry about when you’re carrying and caring for another life. There’s no point in sweating the small stuff. But if you are sweating it, don’t beat yourself up for that either!

Vent
There will come a point where you’ll be downright overwhelmed with the amount of conflicting advice out there, be it from strangers in real life or on the internet. On top of that, you’re going through a lot of changes, both hormonal and lifestyle-wise. You should never feel as though you have to bottle up your frustrations.

Make time to talk with your partner about the fears or annoyances you faced that day. Communicate with a friend or group of moms that you trust who have also been in your position.

People will have many reasons for giving you pregnancy advice. As annoying as those innocent questions and suggestions are, they’re usually not coming from a malicious place. Take them with a grain of salt, as best as you can. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, the only opinions that really matter are yours, your partner’s, and your doctor’s.