One who takes offense to the phrase "Tell me about yourself" does not have the ability to function as a member of society. Based on some of these comments you would think that asking the typical Hacker News commenter about the weather would result in a ten minute lecture on the increased efficiency of looking out the window as opposed to bothering one's peers with futile conversation.

If you don't want to give an answer it's very easy to demur in a polite and conversationally enjoyable way. All of the conventional advice on getting people to like you emphasizes getting people to talk about themselves.