Before a church event, I told the altar server [who I am responsible for]: Go light the candles. The youngster’s response was: “There are only three candles.”
That was not my command/direction.
Actually she was not expected to respond; she was expected to obey. There were three candles and they needed to be lit before the service commenced. The fourth candle was being held by another altar server.

I could only conclude that the child did not want me to tell her what to do.

Again, I was driving with a friend. I just arrived in a city and was driving a friend in the car to go to a McDonalds.
I said, “I would like to have a big Mac and a chocolate milkshake. Where is the nearest MacDonalds?”
I first stated a fact, my desire to have a big Mac.

My friend replied, “There is a Wendy’s right up here.”
The woman redefined my question.
The nearest MacDonald’s was two miles away and a short drive and it was also near the bookstore that we were eventually headed towards.
Why do people avoid responding with a direct answer?
Why can’t they answer the question?
Why must they have an opinion instead of a direct answer?

I have begun to say, “You have not answered my question. You are redirecting/redefining my question.”

Is it poor parenting skills or poor family interaction that results in this type of confused or compromised communications?

Do you have suggestions on how to use good manners and also obtain answers to my questions.

Kind Regards,
DS