To think that it’s ridiculous to approach a stranger wearing headphones?

My mum was talking to me about this the other week, she finds it hard to deal with. She's late 70s now but an avid walker and goes out twice a day for an hours walk and she does it partially for the exercise but also for the social aspect of it. There isn't lots of social interaction on her walks unless she meets someone she knows but for her it was enough to get a "Hi, lovely sunny day today" or Hi, better hurry home before the rain comes" etc. She said nowadays most people she meets are listening to something in their headphones/earphones and she really misses the little seemingly meaningless but for her so important interactions. She gets a little sad when she says hi to someone and they don't hear her.

I know it can't be expected that people greet others or exchange little pleasantries but I think for a lot of people who spend a lot of time on their own it means an awful lot when they get some kind of recognition even if it's not essential or urgent.

Yes, and it’s always men who do the approaching. Such vile creatures.

But what’s to say someone who isn’t wearing headphones wants to be approached?

Are you all ND?

@KreedKafer I felt my blood pressure lowering reading your post! I feel EXACTLY the same- you get it. It's literally my only down time to go out with my dog with my headphones on or for a run. I spend all the other hours of the day talking to people and helping others - at work and my family, and it's literally my only time to decompress and have some me time. Noone has the right to disturb that. Noone.

Exactly this.

I make sure my earphones are visible and am happy to help if someone needs directions or assistance some way, but if they’ve chosen to interrupt me for their entertainment, no.

Saying that, I do give people a pass if waiting for a bus or train because it’s rare for anyone to want to continue chatting once on the bus or train, ime.

I've had this multiple times whilst jogging with obvious over the ear head phones. It pisses me off. Its always older men - one stopped me whilst running and gestured for me to take my headphones off which I did as I thought he might be ill or something and he said he just wanted to say good morning. Who does that?- why the fck would you stop someone in the middle of a run to say that, it's so rude and intrusive. Just smile and mouth good morning if you really want to. Now I dont stop for anyone when running and I avoid eye contact.

I'm the same. Just want a bit of peace and quiet and my own space even if I am outside of my house.

Fuck him thinking you are there to provide him company, just like those bloke who tell you to 'smile' for them

YABU you aren't plugged into the matrix. You can take them off. There's this thing going on called "society". It sometimes involves talking to other people. If we are pleasant to strangers society is better if we are unpleasant it is not.

I agree but on two occasions I've had to ask directions and the only people around had big over ear 🎧 on.

I did apologise to them for interrupting.

They appeared fine but who knows what they really thought.

YABU.
People wear headphones too much nowadays IMO. I mean, obviously sometimes it's fun and relaxing to listen to something, but every minute? Nah. What happened to listening to nature and being engaged with your surroundings?! (Showing my age now 😅)
People can ask who they like for directions. You don't have to answer them of course.

#TeamCroatia

Why didn't they win? They were great.

I'm on a busy train with my headphones on listening to the Croatian Eurovision song.

If anybody tries to talk to me I plan to do the dance 😀

I wear headphones with nothing playing on public transport.
I do it so I can ignore anyone who thinks I look approachable enough to speak to, but I can also hear any announcements I need.

Don't forget to tell them no is a complete sentence.

Other websites are available.

I don't think this is the first time you've slagged this place off. Is it just to feel superior and like you're better than other people, or are you contrary everywhere? You can do to Reddit or one of the other places MN users are treated with utter contempt. Might suit better.

I carry a specially modified cattle prod whenever I go out. If anyone has the audacity to approach me in this public place, I leap in the air, whip out my cattle prod and scream "How very dare you direct your words to me!". That stops 'em.

You sound a bit miserable to be honest, that should be the reason they should try and speak to someone else. 😂

This.

I'd venture further and suggest that it's verging on antisocial to be so unaware of what's around you and to be annoyed at having to react to another human being.
This 'right' to mingle in society but in your own 'fuck off and don't approach me whilst I'm in my very own space' is a bit worrying. It also explains why so many ( particularly on MN) won't answer their phones and refuse to answer the door.
It is contributing to the increased numbers of anxiety sufferers.

Classic Mumsnet, this thread.
I don't mean that in a good way.

There is a massive difference between people approaching middle aged me and asking directions and men approaching my very attractive DD just because they feel she owes them a conversation.

It's sometimes ridiculous approaching people in various circumstances though. Headphones or not.

And tbf, less likely to be stopped by all those annoying humans

With 3 young children though?

Common sense would tell most people that it's not a good idea.

Even if I had time they would have been impatient, wanting attention.

And the car was brand new, which I wouldn't have riskwed anyway. He could see that.

Stop it!! 😂😂