Can reading be rude?

[GabbiV]

I don't know if it's rude, but I was out shopping with my mom and whenever there was a moment of stillness I'd whip out my Kindle. I felt weird reading so openly in a public space that isn't designated for reading, and it wasn't like I was ignoring someone talking to me, but it wasn't an action that I was able to just do - I had to consciously and continuously make the decision to read.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

Yes, I think reading while others are chatting is rude, but I myself often resort to it while at lunch with my colleagues, particularly if the conversation seems beyond me or sounds boring for me. I would rather stay within my comfort zone and read. But if I am in a one-to-one conversation, or if at a family get-together where people are talking to me, I won't start reading a book. But if I am left alone for a while, I automatically open a book in my phone.

[_Delly_01]

Yes, it can be rude to read at certain times, such as dinner or when spending quality time with friends and family. The same thing goes for a mobile phone. But other times, it's a lifesaver. Sense a trivial argument brewing between you and your partner over dishwasher stacking? Pull out a book. Sense an intimidating stranger coming your way at a mostly empty bus stop? Pull out a book. Sense something unforgivable about to happen to your favourite character? Pull out your back-up book.

Ignorance is bliss.

[Kristin Ransome]

I think there's definitely a time and place for reading! For example, I was touring a historic Chinese temple with a group, and one guy read through the whole tour, the tour guide had no idea how to react! So definitely rude in the wrong setting

[ayomie]

It is clearly rude to read books when in company with others who would rather converse with you. It sends a signal to others that their company is a disturbance.

[Cristina Biel]

Hmm...I believe it can actually be rude, but it all depends on the context; if you are hanging out with some people, even if you didn't want to spend time with them (family or friends or whatever), it's actually rude to take out your Kindle or your paperback. I do agree with all of you that it's also rude to be so glued to your phone or tablet while interacting with others, but I think the main topic is to ask ourselves if something as beautiful as book and reading can sometimes, depending on the situation, be something that becomes a social barrier.

So I would say that it's better if we understand that sometimes are specifically for human contact and other for reading and enjoying time during both situations is the best equilibrium we can get.

[Serena_Charlotte]

I don't believe either are rude. It's perfectly valid if you don't want to interact with others in a busy place. It definitely depends on context though. If you're with friends and you're supposed to be interacting, it would be rude to ignore them but if you're just in public it's really your business what you decide to do with your hands.

[Julie Petitbon]

If you're in a situation where you are expected to interact with other, then reading would be rude.

[Quickstudy]

I have learned reading can be rude. Some situations can give the people around the wrong impression. A situation as simple as reading around non- readers can be interpreted as rude.

[Artizi]

I don't think so? I know that I sometimes ignored people in my life for a few hours when too enthralled by a particular chapter -or two, or ten-, but I think it's not something which could be considered rude!

[Florence Nalianya]

Mmmh sometimes reading looks kind of rude especially when one is talking to you yet you can't connect to them because you are glued to a book.

[RoxieReads]

In my opinion, it is much more rude to be glued to a phone. I cannot stand it when I am talking to a person and they pick up their phone and start texting! I have never had someone pick up a book and start reading in the middle of our conversation.

Yes, I completely agree with you. I think that there is a big difference between being on your phone and reading a book.

[Inkroverts]

Actually, I have a different feeling of what means to be rude when reading.
When I'm with my friends, I don't put out my physical books to read, in fear of them thinking I'm trying to "show off nerdiness" or "giving a holier-than-thou impression".
So I just read e-books on my phone when I'm with them.

[Reynaa]

I think it can be rude if you are in a social setting. When I have to go to get-togethers with people I'm not done of, I'll read on my phone rather than socialise. Others are usually on their phones, too though.

[sunmuth]

I think there are 2 differences between being on your phone and reading when you are with other people. First, if you are on your phone you are likely on social media which it is easier to "come out of" if you want to re-engage in the conversation. It is easier to get lost in reading a book, which makes it harder to be aware of your surroundings.

Also, as others have mentioned, people are always on their phones which makes it less obvious that you aren't paying attention. On the other hand, pulling out a kindle or physical book makes it more clear that you have disengaged from the conversation.