To dislike being asked what I am reading

I have found a hairdresser that does silent appointments. I just tick the box when i book and he doesnt try to make conversation. He does ask questions about the haircut of course, but no small talk or chit chat. Bliss.

No.

Oh wait - but there is a 'what are you reading?' thing that I do which I'm hoping is okay...
This is when someone isn't reading, but has a book with them. Like for example they've been visiting you and then start gathering up all of their things to go home on the train, including a book. Then I say 'ooh what are you reading?'

I also sometimes ask people what they are reading when no book is in the area but they mention books. Like if they happen to say that they stayed up late last night reading, then I'll say 'must have been a good book - what was it?'

I have got lots of recommendations this way. Is this intrusive too?

Yep. I'd probably say "sorry, I'm just trying to finish this chapter before I've got to get back to work...Speak later?"

If you can, double up with very obvious noise cancelling headset whilst you are reading.

Get as far away from your desk as you can. I find people will almost always try and talk to you whilst you're at your desk, whatever you are doing. 🌹

What are you reading? A book (plus death stare). Works a treat. Grumpy old woman here

Easy. If someone asks, don't take your eyes away, just hold up the cover.

The only time I read in public now is when I'm having chemo. I don't mind chatting to the nurses, they are all really nice. But I don't like it when they ask what I'm reading - cos it's usually on my kindle & I've forgotten the title!

I’m up north. I just like to be left alone. I’m extremely introverted but don’t like to be rude so would feel like I had to engage. It would ruin my peace

I'm pretty extroverted but it does annoy me when my (otherwise lovely) MIL comes into a room where I'm happily reading alone and doesn't even acknowledge I'm reading and starts talking about whatever she currently has on her mind. DH is the same actually, thinks it's fine to demand conversation when I'm reading then gets annoyed when I say 'sorry love, can I just finish this chapter'.

I don't mind so much when I'm in a public space but in my own home I want to be able to read without interruption. My kids just join me in reading.

I am baffled by the mumsnet aversion to small talk.

But apparently her need for conversation trumps everyone else’s wish to be left in peace

I enjoy life more being open to conversation, including with strangers. I find a lot of people are open to a chat. But I do get that not everyone is similarly extraverted, and of course I don't persist in talking with someone who signals they're not keen.

I will say, anyone who is repulsed by people striking up conversation, I advise not living up north or in a small village!

I loathe talking to the hair stylist. I'm not their friend. But I'm a shy, reserved sort.

I do this too lol.

But apparently her need for conversation trumps everyone else’s wish to be left in peace

*I usually leave people alone if they look like they want to be left alone, and certainly if they've got headphones in. But if I'm on a train or airplane next to someone who's reading a book that maybe I've read or seems interesting, I'd be happy to strike up conversation about it and I like it when people do the same to me.

It's a personality thing. Some people are incorrigible introverts, and that's fine. But it's not rude for others to try and broach conversation, just as it's not rude to disengage from conversation early and return to your book if you prefer.*

This would be my nightmare. I don't even like talking to people I do know, let alone those I don't!

Please tell me other people do their very best to read the title of everything people are reading on the bus or train to see if there's something good you've missed.

I don't interrupt someone who's reading but if they're holding a book and not reading I will ask.

I also contort myself trying to read titles on bookshelves in photos.

Tip for the hairdresser's;

'Before we start, I've got tinnitus, so I can't hear anything, especially when the hairdryer's on - and I can't lipread in the mirror or without my glasses'.

Guaranteed peace until they actually need to stop and ask you something.

One of the few advantages of the permanent hissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.

Because we didn't realise you were allowed to do that. I've never seen anyone read at the hairdresser's. I'm now thinking of all the potential reading hours I've wasted!

I’ve always read my kindle at the hairdressers, sometimes I’m there for 2-3 hours with highlights/balayage setting times so would be really bored otherwise!

Re the OP, I sometimes ask my friends what they are reading but only because I’m looking for recommendations.

I look forward to my break at work. Eating, drinking, reading. But occasionally colleagues want to have their break at the same time and my heart sinks. I love all my colleagues and could happily chat before during and after shifts but please leave me alone to read.

I'm often glad if people ask me about what I'm reading. It's a chance to evacuate all the thoughts that run through your head about a book. Saves having to post on MN about it, or even worse start a blog.

🤣

I wouldn't mind it if people just asked what I'm reading and left it at that but they never do! It always a list of inane questions when I'm clearly trying to concentrate!

I love reading, If I've read the book I might say great book or something, but after reading this thread I may not bother