2007-12-22 14:10:58 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It depends on the setting. If it is a social setting, you are expected to respond politely to someone who speaks to you. You are not required to engage in an extended conversation. A simple "excuse me" should be enough to get you out of such a conversation.
In a non-social setting, unless the law, your job description or other similar requirement dictates otherwise, you are NOT required to speak to someone who has spoken to you, nor is it rude if you do not do so.
It is true that in some places, including, for example, many small towns, it is expected that a polite and brief "hello" will be greeted in return; in other locations a response to a spoken greeting constitutes and invitation to proceed further.
When in doubt, however, the original greeter should realize that every spoken word to a stranger may be considered an intrusion, and should make allowances accordingly.
2007-12-22 14:56:01 · answer #1 · answered by moonspot318 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a question in the etiquette section, so I assume you want a culturally correct answer. You ARE rude to not to respond to someone speaking to you, whether you like them or not. Not only rude, but boorish, as well.
2007-12-22 22:38:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It somewhat depends on the situation, but some basic conversation (e.g. Hello. How are you? AND Hot day today, isn't it?) is a good idea in most cases. If you don't say anything, you appear to be sulking. It may also seem that you do not like the other person.
2007-12-22 22:20:45 · answer #3 · answered by Ace Librarian 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think if that person made an effort to say something to you and you don't reply....it is rude. If you're just passing by or something maybe just a polite smile or something is necessary. I only think its rude not to reply if someone says hello or something
2007-12-22 22:14:41 · answer #4 · answered by meekee02 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you know them and they are speaking directly to you it is very rude not to respond.
2007-12-22 22:14:15 · answer #5 · answered by Bears Mom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As others said, if someone speaks to you then you should acknowledge it. However, otherwise don't feel the need to talk if you don't want to.
2007-12-22 22:20:59 · answer #6 · answered by Echolalia 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourself. If you're a quiet person or don't like to talk much, it's fine. If people think it's rude, so be it.
2007-12-22 22:15:37 · answer #7 · answered by _I_love_warm_bananas_ 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That would depend on who it was and what the situation was. I can't get more specific because you didn't.
2007-12-22 23:22:02 · answer #8 · answered by bainaashanti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u don't have to talk to anybody u don't want to.
2007-12-22 22:13:47 · answer #9 · answered by SMILES 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋