"Just a curious question" is a phrase that is commonly used to indicate that the speaker is asking a question out of pure curiosity, without any particular motive or agenda.
Saying "just a curious question" helps to convey that the question being asked is not meant to be offensive or intrusive, but rather a simple inquiry driven by genuine curiosity.
No, using the phrase "just a curious question" is not necessary when asking a question. However, it can help to set a friendly and non-threatening tone in certain situations.
In some cases, using "just a curious question" could be seen as dismissive or insincere, especially if the question itself is sensitive or personal in nature. It's important to consider the context and the feelings of the person being asked before using this phrase.
If you don't feel comfortable answering a question that begins with "just a curious question," you can politely decline by saying something like, "I appreciate your curiosity, but I'd prefer not to answer that question at this time." It's important to set boundaries and respect your own privacy when necessary.