Does only speak when spoken to still exist?

[TwitterWooooo]

Aibu to think this man is ridiculous to not speak to me unless I speak first and even then it's just a hello.
He is an American, unavoidable business associate of my dh. I'm getting irritated already at the fact I'm preparing his meal tonight and he acts like an arrogant arse.
Sometimes there were no words between us whatsoever, nothing, unless I speak first. He is unmarried, mid 50's if that's relevant. Aibu to think this is rude?

I wouldn't speak first, but then I'm twisted that way!

I thought that referred to children

ask him if he is ok, only you have noticed he is very quiet.

(I'm assuming of course that he isn't chronically shy, like this with everyone, socially awkward and unsure how to start conversation etc)

My father in law in like you've described. An American too (although l don't think that has much to do with it)
Anyway, the last time we got together, he didn't say one word to me. Morphed in to an ironing board when l gave him a hug... And just generally looked like he would prefer to be elsewhere.
I made lots of nice food. I asked his wife if she'd like some and she replied "l've got come in my Mouth!"
I reminded her that that was the beauty of gum .... "you can spit it out"
Lots of unusual folk about...

*gum in my mouth.
GUM...

Just . Thanks, petty as it sounds, I do some days.
Howcan. Thanks, I should have thought of that! I will ask him why he is quiet, I do however think he is playing a psychological game, he says hello to my dd (16).

I read that and my eyes went like saucers!

oh well, if he's playing ridiculous games then the best thing is to take no notice and make sure he knows that you don't give a shit if he's talking or not.

That's so strange.
He is coming to your house as a dinner guest and is going to treat you with zero respect?
Does he thank you for the meal?
I'd have a massive problem with that.
Is your dh not offended too?

After having to make endless small talk to numerous business colleagues of my DH's over the years I would quite like the 'silent' treatment .

Is your DH there for the meal? Does he talk to the other guy.

Does he even say 'thank you' for the meal?

Can't you suggest your DH takes him out to eat ?

Is he painfully shy?

If he isn't, then yes, of course he is just fucking rude. Do you ever have to have him over again? If you do, can you go out and let DP do all the hosting/cooking? Or even better sit back and let DP do all the hosting and cooking in front of you. I've found there are men out there who think they are terribly important chaps talking terribly important business talk with other chaps, and women are there to serve the tea and shut up. Not worth talking to. Like a sort of unpaid servant/appendage to important chaps. I usually talk to them a LOT and make them talk back by asking lots of open questions. Nothing with a yes/no answer. So not 'are you enjoying your trip to England?' but 'what's been the best part of your trip to England?'

Actually, if it turns out he is just painfully shy, open questions will help him a lot as well.

I like your style ...love....
That's a good point about him being shy but no, it's not that.
I'm more inclined to feel it's the women are not important theory. He
is very bigoted and talks a lot to my dh.
Rag. Dh is taking him out to eat tonight, in fact part of me is glad he doesn't talk to me, but it feels like such rudeness, like what could "She" possibly have to say that interest me?
Thanks everyone. I feel better for ranting.

Have you only ever met in your home? Or in public places like restaurants ect? If it's the former, perhaps he has been taught it's polite to wait because he's in 'your space' IYSWIM. Otherwise, if he's never been married and has no sisters ect. perhaps he's no good at making none business chit chat. Or if he and your DH are associates rather than colleagues, perhaps he wants to keep it very work focused?? As others have said though, after years of entertaining DH's work people. Who can talk for Germany! A quiet one would be lovely!

m.youtube.com/watch?v=LS37SNYjg8w you must have seen this op.