Final answer:
When approached by a stranger with personal questions, it is best to politely decline to answer. Maintain personal boundaries and be aware of the context of your interactions, adjusting your response to match social norms and legal protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a stranger approaches you with personal questions, the recommended response is b) Politely decline to answer personal questions. While it is good to be open to informal conversation, such as socializing with co-workers over coffee or lunch breaks, personal boundaries need to be maintained. Conversations should not infringe on personal matters such as political affiliation, age, or income, unless you are comfortable discussing them.
If you encounter these types of questions during an interview, it is essential to recognize that such questions may relate to legally protected characteristics and are not appropriate for determining eligibility for a position. In such cases, you may assertively state, "I do not feel comfortable answering that question", to uphold your personal and legal rights.
As you interact with acquaintances in various settings, always observe the social rules of politeness and personal space customary in your culture or the setting you are in. Simple greetings and trivial questions that are friendly but not intrusive are the norms in such interactions.