Can reading be rude?

[Chelsey Coles]

If I was reading first and then other people show up, it is not rude. I was already in my zone. I deserve to be left alone, you see me doing something! I hate when people think books are so easy to interrupt.

But, if I am already engaging with others, and then I whip out a book in the middle of it, then that is rude. But if everyone else is one their phone, perhaps it isn't that different. Even though phones are easier for me to tear my attention away from than books are.

[Chelsey Coles]

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.

Yes!! You are so right.

I mostly do it when there is tension in the home that I would rather not be a part of. What do you mean the dishes aren't done? How would I know? I've been reading my room for 46 hours I don't know anything about no dishes...

[HeatherEi]

I guess it depends on the situation. One time I was out at a bar with some family and there was live music. We noticed a couple in the booth nearby. The woman was enjoying the music while the man was reading the book. Some of my family members felt sorry for her and bought her a drink.

[Nym182]

I guess it would depend on the situation... and the people involved.

For example - If you are at someone birthday party or social gathering they may find it rude if you hunker down and start reading rather than interacting with people.

Or if someone were to start reading while in a long line/Drs office and you get too caught up in your reading to react to being next would be rude.

Or maybe if you start reading out loud haha

[HeatherEi]

In my opinion, he difference between social media and reading is: reading is a much longer distraction. With social media, it is something that you can tear yourself away or can take a few minutes at a time to do, while in the presence of other people. You can't really do that with reading. How can you read for a minute or two? i wouldn't do it because I can't read for a few minutes at a time and will just stop if I can't continue reading. If i have at least 5 or 10 minutes to read then I will maybe continue where I leave off. Usually I'll just wait until I have more time to devote to reading and instead do something that can fit into the few minutes that i have available.

I completely agree with you. It, unfortunately, has become the norm to glance at our phones while with company and check notifications. But if you are reading a book while with others, and the purpose is to socialize, then you're basically ignoring your companions. However, if travel is involved, then it is not rude.

[Henrytbab]

Is it ever rude to read instead of interacting with others? When and in what setting? In my opinion it is no more rude then being glued to your phone or social media.

Any other opinions?

It can be rude when you have a friend come visiting but left unattended to. This friend of yours will likely feel bad.

[Lia A]

It can be rude at times. If you are with friends and family especially. It may give others the impression that you find a book better than talking to them.

[Yearly Joy Besoy]

When you are in a company of others, it is indeed rude to read while your companions are chatting. It implies that you are not interested in what they are talking about or you are not interested being in their company.

[readsbyarun]

No, not at all. Reading is a very good habits and it helps to improve one's personality in many different ways.

[azidy]

It definitely depends on the situation. If you're surrounded by people who are trying to interact with you, it's rude to ignore them.

On the other hand, watching TV or using your phone with other people around is no better than reading a book. Sometimes you just have to finish that exciting chapter!

[EmmaZ]

In my opinion, reading is never rude. On the contrary, I would think it rude if someone interrupted me when I was reading! Of course, if I am somewhere where I am supposed to be sociable and I start reading it would be rude, but there are times when my book is just so interesting that I can't resist!

[EmmaZ]

If I was reading first and then other people show up, it is not rude. I was already in my zone. I deserve to be left alone, you see me doing something! I hate when people think books are so easy to interrupt.

But, if I am already engaging with others, and then I whip out a book in the middle of it, then that is rude. But if everyone else is one their phone, perhaps it isn't that different. Even though phones are easier for me to tear my attention away from than books are.

I completely agree with you! I hate it when I'm peacefully reading and someone interrupts me and tries to talk to me. But it would be as rude to pull out a book than to pull out a phone if you're at a social gathering, I think.

[Eunice Geres]

Maybe? I usually read in school because I don't want to interact with my classmates. And I think sometimes it bothers them that I don't want to talk to anyone.

[Lilyflower-x2]

I think its rude if your reading when your supposed to be enjoying other people's company. It is similar to being on your phone during dinner.

[Essywa]

Yes it can be rude when you are together with other people maybe they are holding conversations and you are busy reading and they expect you to contribute.