Or are some people just really fecking rude?!

[Wishfulmakeupping]

Example: just rang up work to confirm my return date had to speak to office manager not my boss we're the same level and work closely together. I had a baby sane time as his wife.
Conversation:
Me: hi x how are you?
Him: fine- what did you want?
Me: just calling about email. Hope you're little ones good?
Him: he's fine

Then we spoke about email, think that's a bit rude I'd always ask someone back and never say what do you want.
Aibu to expect people to have manners and not be rude?

There are different types of people - some just want to get straight into the subject they've called you about, others feel the need to "socialise" because they feel uncomfortable "diving straight in".

You often find that techy types fit into the first category. I've had a couple of colleagues who come across as brusque - but if you're ringing them with a problem they're of the opinion that you should tell it to them so they can fix it.

I personally don't like beating around the bush too much & will restrict it to "how are you doing?" But please, no more than a 5 word answer - because I don't really want to know, I'm doing it to be polite!

Others really don't like to get straight in & feel it's rude to do so.

Over time I get to know who is what type & speak to them accordingly, if I don't know I'll default to "social". I have no problem speaking to people that want to cut straight to the chase.

I've often suggested (jokingly) at work that there is a colour code in the address book so that you know who you can dive straight in with & who you have to socialise with first - it'd make life a lot easier!

"What did you want?" could be interpreted as he doesn't see why you are calling as he may think the subject has been covered perfectly adequately via email.

You are discussing work so no need to ask about personal stuff, that is very unprofessional and really gets my back up. You've rang about work so discuss work.

OP I think you've dealt with this unprofessionally and if that were me on the other end of the phone I may well come across as rude, as your call was a complete waste of time and resources.

If the matter is already being dealt with via email, keep it that way unless requested otherwise. For something like this, email is more suitable as there is a paper trail and it can be reviewed to check facts.

He doesn't sound rude, just busy. If you call someone else you have to accept their head is not full of you at the moment you ring them. So he may not at that moment have remembered you'd just had a baby

What do you want is a bit terse - how can I help is better