Quote:
Originally Posted by brainycat
I agree. I carry an imposing demeanor, so I don't deal with this problem too much. But I know exactly what you mean. I think that for "nonreaders", it's difficult to imagine being absorbed in a book. I think they don't even realize they're being rude - to them, it's probably like making a comment to someone watching a game on tv.
I have a host of rude replies I keep handy for this situation:
"I'm enjoying the company of a literate person"
"It's a called a 'book'. You should try it sometime"
"I WAS reading, until some stranger rudely interrupted me"
"Which part of staring at a book and ignoring you says 'Hey! Talk to me!'"
"Who me? I'm sorry, I thought you were trying to talk to someone without anything better to do"
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I really don't think it's justifyable to be rude to people in these situations. One can make it clear that one does not wish to be disturbed politely.