I've always found that reading in cars and buses gives me a headache. When I was doing my O levels, I had over an hour journey to college each day, both there and back. Perfect opportunity to catch up on reading for my courses? No. I tried it and got motion sickness.
I rarely travel by plane, having done so much travelling round the world as a child (my mother, older sisters and I went on several cruises) that I no longer feel the need. However, should I be on a plane I probably wouldn't be alone, and if parted from the person I was with I'd take something - like reading - to do. If the person in the seat next to me began chatting, my reactions would depend upon what they were talking about and their manner. I wouldn't be annoyed just because they'd interrupted my reading even if I was at a really vital part of the plot. If they were pleasant and interesting, I'd put my reader away and chat.
For the sake of the discussion, let's say they were being offensive and I no longer wished to speak to them. I would say something like, "I hate flying but it calms my nerves to read; would you mind if I carry on with my book?"
If they said something like, "what do you want to do that for? You have me to talk to, I'll calm you down." (Being even more creepy.) I'd answer, "thanks but I prefer to read,".
I did assertiveness training years ago: you just keep repeating what you want and don't become involved in argument, is the essence. No one gets hurt, is the theory.
But public situations are rarely so captive. At a cafe, in a queue, in a waiting room, you're there for a short time (unless at A&E in the UK) a conversation won't kill you. Personally I find that the people who are saying that human interaction stresses them out are strange, or have some kind of issue, maybe an autism-spectrum problem. Humans are social animals by nature. Yes, there are many introverts. I tend to move between introvert and extrovert: I like my own company, but I also like the company of other people. If you find social situations distressing then maybe therapy is needed. I'm sorry if that seems harsh, but that's how I see it. I'm trying to be helpful rather than judgemental.
At work during the lunch break, I imagine it's pretty much expected that you speak to colleagues. (I don't work due to illness.) If they're all on their phones, I'd politely tackle a supervisor who continually berated me for reading. Just point out that the others have their noses deep in phones; ask what the difference is. See how she answers.
Sorry for the rant, but I've been reading this thread and so often wanted to jump in with comments. So many of the contributors seem to feel that being spoken to in public is an offense. You're in PUBLIC; there are people, that's the definition of public.
arjaybe: do you REALLY like the sights and sounds of other people and the ambience they create? If so, just switch on the telly. Real people interact and speak.
Those claiming that commuting time is the only chance they have to read: really? What about while waiting for dinner to cook? Or when your spouse goes out? Can't you go into your bedroom, or wherever to read without your spouse getting annoyed? Then I'm glad I'm single.
Maybe turn the telly off and read. Have you really considered what you do at home that makes it impossible to read in peace? In an earlier post I mentioned a friend who takes long baths to read. Her children have now left home and got families of their own, but she still prefers reading in the bathroom. I guess she loves the steamy ambience.
By the way, I'm female, and when younger I used to love being approached by men. They don't do it anymore. Sigh.
Just wanted to add that I used to live in Stratford-On-Avon, when doing my A levels. We used to go round the town playing, "spot the yank" (apologies for any offense). There were a few methods used: women wearing headscarves, men wearing brightly coloured clothes, and loud talking. I wonder if the issue of reading in public and being spoken to is partly dependent upon nationality?
