To think this is rude even if she doesn't?

[SpeedbirdSquawker]

My mum has been with her partner around 15 years.

When I see them he barely says anything apart from hello and goodbye and when I try to engage him in conversation, I get one word answers. I tell my mum that this is really rude and that he should make more of an effort but she dismisses it as it's just the way he is. AIBU to think he should make conversation with me?

Is it just the way he is? Is he like it with her?

Unless he only does this with you, I don't think it's rude.

Some people (quite often men - my own dad and FIL were like it) are like that. Don't bother, just be polite, but keep a good relationship with your mum.

MN is bursting at the seams with introverts. Perhaps he's one of those?

He is also quiet with her but they do make conversation when I'm not there apparently.

Some of us are not big on small talk. You can think whatever you like about it.

Some people find it impossibly difficult in social situations. (me for one)
Its not personal, he might even be disappointed that he is unable to have the conversations that you and you mother enjoy. But some just don't have it in them.

YABU. Unless he's not like this with any others.

He's not there to entertain you

Not everyone is comfortable talking to everybody. Quiet people often have one or two people they can converse freely with, even dominate, when nobody else is around, but go into their shell otherwise. It's not wrong or peculiar, it's certainly not rude - no more than a blind friend not waving back at you as you pass them on a bus.

My own father was like this. Left talking to the women folk!

Why should he? Why do your wants with regards to a conversation overrule his?

If that's the way he is, who are you to change him? What if he finds you annoying and talk too much, would you change for him? Some people find conversation difficult, just leave him be.

If its just the way he is then he's not going to be different just for you.