Is this OK, 'If you don't mind my asking'?
It goes like: 'If you don't mind my asking, what's your secret of living a long life?'

Thanks!

Question

Is this OK, 'If you don't mind my asking'?
It goes like: 'If you don't mind my asking, what's your secret of living a long life?'

Thanks!

Answer

I personally think it is very unkind and uncouth to say anything like that to a senior citizen.  It reminds him/her of impending mortality.  The subtext is, "I am amazed you are still alive!"

Answer

I think "If you don't mind me asking" is more common, but "If you don't mind my asking" is also correct.

I would phrase the second clause as "what's your secret to living a long life?"

Answer

Kurt answered as I would have as a native speaker.

Answer

"If you don't mind my asking" is perfectly fine. The second part could also be "what's your secret for living a long life".

Answer

Sure