To feel totally out of place here?

[definatelymaybe1]

So
I work in an office building owned and run by people of the bretherin religion. Before I even start just want to reiterate I have no issues with anyone of any religion..
My issue is I feel so bloody awkward and out of place here. Their all polite but very very stand offish- I know nothing of this religion at all so unsure if this is how their meant to act with someone who doesn't follow their religion.
But I can literally walk into one of the offices (approx 15 men working) and not one of them will lift their head or even acknowledge that I'm there makes me feel really awkward..and it's got me intrigued as to whether their not allowed to talk to me or whether they just don't like me 😂 lol. I would say in the few months I worked here I've literally got a hello and bye and that's it 🙈
Anyone shed any light? I'm naturally very chatty so it has stumped me 😂

you are female?
and not brethren?
not high on their lists im afraid, and they tend to stick within their "own" kind, men are men and women have babies and keep the house and defer to the men.... my mothers fathers family were closed brethren and he was cast out for marrying out of the faith, his aunt switched from closed to open so she could see him and the children ( it was a very unpopular move)

Do you have to work with them? Are there other women there?

That is rudeness, regardless of religion. To not acknowledge another person is simply rude.

Op if you know nothing of the religion then surely do a quick Google before you accept the job..

They are not allowed to associate with you, hello and goodbye is as good as you will get.
They are not married to you and you are not their faith. You are part of the world.

A 10 minute Google would have told you this.
I'm actually surprised they gave a job to a non believer as brethren business's are usually solely brethren.

Well, you are totally out of place, as stated, it's surprising you've found yourself working in close proximity to them. It's nothing to do with you as a person, everything to do with being female and not a Brethren. Find another workplace or feel constantly as you do now.

Flirty

Maybe before jumping to conclusions ask the full story?

I didn't go for the interview to be told "oh by the way we are brethren" didn't even get told that once I got offered the job. Believe it or not I actually worked that out by using google!! But nothing I've read says anything about not talking to people outwith their religion. Most I've read says how lovely and polite they are, just that they don't socialise with people out with their religion.
Thought people on here might have some more personal experience which is why I asked!

Thanks hollow glad u agree.. totally respect their religion but no need for rudeness

They are allowed to associate with you if they are 'normal' brethren, but not if they are 'exclusive brethren'.

Ah right Pierre, just curious, how do you know the difference?
I have been looking online and actually their way of life fascinated me. I'm naturally nosey 😂 so like to hear about things like this.

Exclusive brethren will not eat with you. Standard brethren will. That's one of the differences. There are shades - from closed (exclusive) to open.

I'm in NI where we have quite a lot of brethren. In the 'tight' (strict) denominations women have long hair and wear skirts. In 'looser' branches this is not the case.

I have never heard of this!’ I’m going to have to google.

Are you in the UK op? I would find it hard. Do you work closely in a team with them? Do people not need to communicate for work purposes?

Earlier this year I read 'in the days of rain' by rebecca stott which helped me understand more about the brethren, it's very good.

I would continue making greetings and occasional remarks as you always would. You never know. If it's too hard after 6 months, start looking for something else. At least it should be a peaceful place to work.