Can reading be rude?

[MrsCatInTheHat]

Yes, it's rude to read or play on your phone in social settings.

[pinstar]

It can be rude, like if you pulled out a book at a big family dinner and ignored everyone that would probably be pretty rude...

[lily_kh87]

It is not rude if the person you're setting with is occupied with something.

[alwaysdaddygirl]

Aloha,

1) Those who are not book lovers. They do not get why books are like a drug.

2) Those that love books but are social folks, and going by rules of society.

Blessings. ?

[Booky_BettyC]

I think it depends on the circumstances. If you have company over or you are at a function where you should be interacting with others, it's definitely rude. As for at home, I always make time for my fiancé and will watch some TV with him or a movie. Only then will I indulge in reading. Sometimes I will read while we are watching movies because he is constantly gaming on his tablet. It takes less concentration to be on your phone or tablet and pay attention to TV than reading and watching TV so I pretty much play it by ear. If he's barely paying attention then I'll read.

[AA1495]

It's not ruder than being glued to your smartphone, but yes, when you're expected to interact, it would be rude.

[Kourtney Bradley]

If I am reading at home with my husband, I sometimes get the feeling that he would rather me put the book down and interact with him, but I don't feel like that's rude. It's just the same as if you are with someone and they turn a tv show on.

[wagthefox]

Outside of a dinner conversation, I see nothing wrong with reading while in the company of others. If you're not part of the conversation, look for a quiet corner and break out the ol' Kindle.

[smhawkins]

General rule of thumb, if you're having a meal or spending time with others, I'd say it's pretty rude. I feel most loved and appreciated by spending quality time with people, which means I'd like their full attention when we're together. However, if it's a lazy day and you're with family/friends, at the beach, if you're doing "nothing" together, I think it's awesome.

My boyfriend and I are long distance, so we don't get to see each other as often, but even we enjoy sitting in a room and just reading. Not every moment has to be filled with words

[furybeginner]

Yes. Just like how a lot of people here have pointed out, it's rude when you're in the presence of other people and you're expected to interact with them.

[tinmmm]

Lol, I always thought it's the other people who are rude - bugging me when I'm reading a book. Then again, I don't start reading in the middle of dinner, a conversation, or any interaction with others.

[jamesabr]

I think that reading can be rude if one is purposely doing so to ignore someone or put off a problem. This can lead to procrastination, sure, but it may also end a good relationship by making one seem cold and dismissive.

[easy_dc13]

I think it becomes rude when you deliberately pull it up while interacting with others. You could always excuse yourself so you don't come off as such. It doesn't affect me that much.

[MollyMolly]

It is only rude if someone is trying to talk to you. Otherwise I think it is perfectly acceptable to read in company, in fact reading on a lunch break may encourage others to join you. I've had some really good book recommendations from colleagues who have seen me reading!

[greywalker]

I don't think it's usually any more rude than being on your tech gadget. However, general polite manners dictate that when you are talking to someone in person, doing anything else, whether it's reading or being on your tech gadget, is extremely rude.