Can reading be rude?

[tiffanynettles]

Yes, I believe in some circumstances it can be rude. I have a cousin who stays glued to a book any time the family comes down to. Is it, and while I am also a book worm I do enjoy having conversations with her on the occasion.

[literarycat]

I completely agree with you guys. My husband thinks that it is rude to read when we are supposed to be spending time together but he is watching tv so I take out my kindle. I don't feel it is rude since we are still together and he is engrossed in the television. Since there is not conversation what is the point of watching a show I care nothing about and would rather be reading!?!

I agree with you if he is watching TV then you should be able to read, maybe cuddle up with him. I did when the ex watched tv and I was reading. Or we'd have a little small talk or I'd stop and ask about the show during a commercial or something.

[GreenBookworm]

Yes, agree. If someone talks to you, I guess it is quite rude to not put down a book until the conversation is finished.

[rosemarieshort]

Obviously if you're in a group eating / socializing etc. and you whip out a book, stop interacting and just ignore everyone then that would be rude. But other than that I don't think so. Even if you are in a group (say at lunch) and the conversation has just dead, and people are checking their phones or whatever, I think as long as you ask if no one minds if you get your book out its perfectly fine to start reading.

[VinuW]

It can be. If you are reading a book in the middle of a conversation. I tend to do this, and my friends constantly get annoyed.

[cpinzon]

Personally, I believe that reading can be rude in certain situations.

If you are around family, friends, students, professors, etc. pulling out a book and stuffing your nose into it's creases and forgetting the existence of everyone around you doesn't seem like it can do too much harm, but it is utterly rude. Enjoy the company of the person with you.

[Cher+Pot]

It can be. If you are reading a book in the middle of a conversation. I tend to do this, and my friends constantly get annoyed.

I agree, but now I also have to point out that some people come up to me...while they see I am engrossed in my book ...and want to start talking to me . Then I admit, I am rude and give monosyllabic answers . Otherwise, I try not to read at social gatherings, because sometimes I can't focus on the story and need to read a paragraph three times before it sinks in.

[Heidi M Simone]

Yes, I believe there is a time and place to read, and during social gatherings is not the place. Being a book lover, I understand the power of having social interactions and friendships. Reading during a party isolates you, and if you do it enough, then you may not be invited to many parties after that.

I have read during a car trip when I'm traveling with friends for hours. I don't feel it's rude to read then, especially if most are pulling out their cell phones. I consider that a mutual understanding that sometimes there are lulls in conversations on long rides and we like to keep ourselves entertained.

[Jojowrites4All]

My head is always in a book. I don't make apologies , and I'm well aware that most people don't like it. However, I have manners and common sense. I will pause and make eye contact, or close the book if necessary. However, I refuse to let random chatty strangers pull me from reading. I will respond and chat briefly, and I don't hesitate to say that I'm ready to bow my head again. Take care , or have a nice day, great chatting, blah blah. Over and done with in a polite manner.

[Freethinker]

I think it depends on the situation. I found it incredibly rude when my best mate asked my hubby and I round for dinner and whilst the 3 of us chatted, her husband spent most of the meal texting his friends!! He made no effort to join in the conversation. BUT, having said that, I do something that I think my in-laws consider rude but I feel there isn't much of an option for me. Hubby and I visit them, maybe staying for a week. Each meal time we all sit up together and they drag on for an hour and a half each time, maybe 2 hours. Often I'm reading when I'm called to the table so I bring my book. I eat my food and often just sit quietly. I do this because a) after 16 years I have nothing to contribute to the topics my in-laws want to talk about; b) they don't seem to require a response, preferring to talk AT me rather than TO me; and c) rather rudely, half the conversation is carried out in their own language, which I have made efforts to learn but don't have an advanced grasp of yet. So, once food is eaten and they are chatting and I can't join in, what do I do?! I know lunch or dinner isn't 'finished' because it's always followed up with a hot drink and the expectation is that I stay there for that so I get my book out. I used to just sit there for 2 hours feeling mind-numbingly bored but now I just start to read. I'm sure they think I'm rude but then maybe they need to try to get to know me and try to talk to me about things I'm interested in...?! You know, all the time I've spent staying with them, always reading, neither of them have EVER asked me what I'm reading! I think that illustrates quite clearly how little interest they have in me or anything I have to say!

[Jojowrites4All]

Carry on Freethinker! You're not reading to be rude. Best wishes.

I think it depends on the situation. I found it incredibly rude when my best mate asked my hubby and I round for dinner and whilst the 3 of us chatted, her husband spent most of the meal texting his friends!! He made no effort to join in the conversation. BUT, having said that, I do something that I think my in-laws consider rude but I feel there isn't much of an option for me. Hubby and I visit them, maybe staying for a week. Each meal time we all sit up together and they drag on for an hour and a half each time, maybe 2 hours. Often I'm reading when I'm called to the table so I bring my book. I eat my food and often just sit quietly. I do this because a) after 16 years I have nothing to contribute to the topics my in-laws want to talk about; b) they don't seem to require a response, preferring to talk AT me rather than TO me; and c) rather rudely, half the conversation is carried out in their own language, which I have made efforts to learn but don't have an advanced grasp of yet. So, once food is eaten and they are chatting and I can't join in, what do I do?! I know lunch or dinner isn't 'finished' because it's always followed up with a hot drink and the expectation is that I stay there for that so I get my book out. I used to just sit there for 2 hours feeling mind-numbingly bored but now I just start to read. I'm sure they think I'm rude but then maybe they need to try to get to know me and try to talk to me about things I'm interested in...?! You know, all the time I've spent staying with them, always reading, neither of them have EVER asked me what I'm reading! I think that illustrates quite clearly how little interest they have in me or anything I have to say!

[iluvbubbles]

I think it can be like a cell phone. If somene is trying to talk to you and you just keep reading lol.

[Morgan_Malone]

I think it can be rude the same way texting on your phone while with company is considered rude. I have a bad habit of bringing a book with me when out with my family and rather than talk to them during dinner I'll read my book, but they're used to it

[Ryan]

I suppose it depends on what you read

[Meg0169]

Yes, it can be rude to read instead of interacting with others, for example in the lunchroom with co-workers, you could at least be a little sociable at first until you run out of things to say and then you can start reading. But if you are in a doctor's waiting room where you don't know anyone, it is definitely not rude, rather it is more acceptable than just sitting there staring at people. I agree that it is no more rude than being glued to your phone, but at least look up every once in a while and see what you are missing.]

I completely agree. I am not going to pull out a book and read in a social situation with people I know, but I always have a book with me and will read when I am in the waiting room or someplace like that. I do tend to do it at work sometimes too, but I work at a library so it is a little more acceptable and people don't judge.

I will admit I have brought a book and pulled it out and started reading at a social outing once, but everyone was drunk and obnoxious and I needed to escape. I am sure I have done it more than once, but never to be rude.