Recently on a long airplane ride I was seated next to an obnoxiously talkative man. I was obviously immersed in a book but he asked me a bazillion personal questions such as my AGE and kept commenting on my small stature. Is this acceptable airplane chatter or would you say he's downright rude? How would you have handled this situation?
2007-10-01 01:53:28 · 19 answers · asked by ? 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I don't think he was intentionally being rude. He probably just wanted to make conversation, maybe he was bored on the long flight. He also may have poor social skills and not realize that some questions might be annoying to people.
Like everyone said, at some point say, I really want to finish this book, or put headphones on, or pretend to fall asleep.
2007-10-01 02:02:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think that is rather rude, whether on an airplane or anywhere else. If you can clearly see that someone is occupied with something, then leave them alone! A simple hello or how are you is fine, but cut it short after that...at least until that person is free and/or expresses interest in a conversation. Personally, I would have been accepting of maybe 2 or 3 questions...then I would have politely said something like this: " I don't mean to be rude but I would really like to enjoy my book...maybe we can talk a little later." (Now...I tend to be a bit more blunt than that, but you get the idea). Point being, when confronted with a situation like that just be honest and upfront and hopefully you won't have to suffer through that again.
2007-10-01 02:02:25 · answer #2 · answered by MissDiva1228 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you told him that you weren't interested in conversation, and he nonetheless persisted, then he was rude. If you were too polite to tell him that his conversation wasn't welcome, then it's unreasonable to fault him for failing to read your mind. Children are expected to anwer such personal questions as "How old are you?" and "What grade are you in?" even tho adults are not. (Go figure.) However, even children have the right to decline conversation with strangers. If you are well beyond childhood, respond to such questions with a question of your own: "Why do you ask?" Since no response will be adequate to justify this sort of prying, your comment after the response is "I see. It's been nice chatting with you, but I'd like to get back to my book." Repeat as necessary.
2007-10-01 03:23:25 · answer #3 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe he was afraid to fly and it came out as talking. I would have talked a few minutes to be polite then just said I have to get this book read, finished, number of chapters, whatever. If that didn't work I'd just say I'm sorry I have a lot on my mind and don't feel like chatting.
2007-10-01 02:10:30 · answer #4 · answered by Teddy's Mom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look him straight in the eye and politely but firmly tell him that you're busy in your book and really don't wish to talk right now.
As for personal questions, look him straight in the eye and politely but firmly tell him you think his probing into your personal life etc. are out of line and that his mother raised him better than that.
Finally, if he insists on chattering etc. etc. and there are open seats on the plane, ask the flight crew to allow you to move to a quieter area.
2007-10-01 01:58:52 · answer #5 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yep, downright rude. I would either have moved to another seat (if there were any empty), or said "Sorry, but I have to finish this book for a project/homework"
2007-10-01 02:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might say he was a little over-friendly?
Maybe he wanted a friend?
Like you?
You can ignore such people.
Or tell them politely, that you'd really like to finish what you are reading, and then do so.
2007-10-01 01:59:11 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He was rude. You are not oversensitive.
I think -- perhaps -- I would have told him, "Sorry, I can't talk anymore; I have to finish this book by this evening." I wouldn't -say- I was taking a class, but I might imply it.
The poor guy might be lonely, or scared of planes -- or he might be just a jerk. I tell you, I -would- make sure to lose him in the airport!
2007-10-01 01:59:46 · answer #8 · answered by bonitakale 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I suppose that was a bit rude. Asking someone you don't know personal questions is offensive in my book. Just try to laugh it off, you'll probably never see him again.
2007-10-01 02:01:54 · answer #9 · answered by ~*Fender Freak*~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He does not seem rude, he just might be very friendly or a nervous flyer. I would put the earphones in and read my book.
2007-10-01 01:58:40 · answer #10 · answered by zeon2b 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋