Like you, I've found that a determined expression, slight squint, combined with "WhyEVER do you ask THAT?" works well.

For those of you focusing on my short skirt.

[titlenine.com]

I was wearing this Title 9 skirt with little shorts built in. Great for windy days.

A beautiful woman with a naturally warm way about her standing in line with flowers wonders why a person would want to strike up a conversation...

It is because your a beautiful woman that is a warm personality. Everyone wants to be around that - to engage it in some way if only to brighten their day for awhile and share the good vibe. I get it: that can totally be draining and feel like an imposition. Frankly, it is.

First step is to understand that, most likely, that is what is occurring. From there, go with what suits you as a response. It'll be correct once you understand why it is a happening.

I keep my life as flat and dull as possible so that nobody cares

Usually (assuming I cannot functionally ignore them altogether) I deal with nosy people extremely directly. I let them know it is none of their business & then ask them if there is anything else I can help them with.

But then again - I am an older dude - so I can get away with statements like that pretty easily.

I have a three-phase approach:

1. A polite but brief response
2. Pretend I didn’t hear the question
3. Explain that I just don’t feel very chatty
   If all else fails, I get up and walk away.

I don't mind much . Some x people lonely and just want to talk . I don't mind ?
If something they ask is too personal for my standards , I just say " ah , too long to explain , some other time / some other talk "?

I like talking to everybody, so maybe I am that nosy person to someone else...I am genuinely curious about people I see out and about...I usually can tell if they want to be left alone, and I am never rude, so if others treat me the same, I have no problem and actually like to engage...

Not having access to the tone of his or your voice, body language, and other visual and audio cues, I have no idea if he or you were rude, except from your own perception that you iterated...knowing you, you probably responded accordingly to his comments, so don't worry about it...you did what you needed to do...

"Why are you concerned, is something wrong?" Usually that throws them off enough they walk away or the tone of the conversation changes to being friendlier.

If I am at the store, which ever one I am in, I will ask questions to whomever is doing or has something interesting. Conversation is just a way to make contact, to show yourself your alive. Though many conversations go into the mundane at least you have shown someone they are alive, I always feel that one should be kind. As I walk around town there are many people who call me by name, I have no idea who they are, but I always return at least a smile.

Shotgun.

None of your business.

"Abner! There's something strange going on at the Steven's residence!"