In a recent discussion, Steve Lazarus outlined four common techniques people use to avoid answering questions directly: deflection, obfuscation, contempt, and whataboutism. He explains that deflection involves changing the subject to unrelated issues, like citing false stock market figures. Obfuscation is pretending confusion over clear questions. Contempt involves belittling the questioner, while whataboutism deflects blame by pointing to others' actions. Lazarus emphasizes, "When you have the