by Sophiya S.
Member since:
January 7, 2007

Am I the only one?

April 20, 2008 11:56 AM EDT
views: 120 | comments: 47
I am just curious to see if anyone else finds this as annoying as I do.  Your sitting down somewhere in public peacefully reading and completely immersed in a book.  Just now the plot thickens, and  your attention widens. You anxiously read the fowllowing sentences in a book. Then suddenly someone asks: "What are you reading?" You loose your place on the page, your attention is broken off from the book, and you are left wondering why in the world would I be interrupted for this? Maybe I'm just over-reacting. I am just sick and tired of being interrupted for such a silly question while I'm trying to get some reading done. Anyone else feel the same way?    
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Comments: 47

FRED R. Apr 20, 2008, 12:01pm EDT
I agree with you.
People should never disturb a person reading.
Just like you should never interrupt someone praying!
Reading is FUN-da-MENTAL
R o b i n ♥ Apr 20, 2008, 12:04pm EDT
Sigriet I think that when we go out in public we are asking to be in public, why not confine your reading to your private times if you find being interrupted so intolerable?
Vivian P. Apr 20, 2008, 12:05pm EDT
I have never felt that any book Tv show or movie was as important as a fellow being. Never got mad at a grand kid or any child for disturbing me. What can I say I like people. The book or what ever will be there later maybe the person won't be.
Spencer T. Apr 20, 2008, 12:05pm EDT
Chuckling, yes I do get irritated.
R o b i n ♥ Apr 20, 2008, 12:07pm EDT
Fred, the old "people should" argument huh?

Sorry man but what people should do and what people DO do will always and forever be inconsistent...
R o b i n ♥ Apr 20, 2008, 12:09pm EDT
Vivian I tend towards your thinking in this...
Sophiya S. Apr 20, 2008, 12:10pm EDT
Robin, you do bring up a great point. I guess I set myself up for that situation, when in public
Sophiya S. Apr 20, 2008, 12:11pm EDT
Vivian, that's a great of you!
Bonnie F. Apr 20, 2008, 12:15pm EDT
There are a lot of lonely people out there just trying to make some conversation and connection with another human being. If you really don't want to be disturbed, however, why don't you just put a pair of earphones on. Others will think you are listening to music
and will leave you to your reading.
Marianne R. Apr 20, 2008, 12:18pm EDT
I hate being interrupted when I am reading no matter where I am.
Katie R. Apr 20, 2008, 12:20pm EDT
Mhm.
Jessie B. Apr 20, 2008, 12:27pm EDT
I don't like being disturbed but normally if someone does I end up having a good time with them anyway.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Apr 20, 2008, 12:31pm EDT
That's just rude and / or ignorant.
Vikki M. Apr 20, 2008, 12:43pm EDT
I usually keep reading and just respond with "A book." That usually tends to give out a hint that I don't want to be bothered. ;-)
Kellie S. Apr 20, 2008, 12:44pm EDT
I agree with Marianne, actually. And when I am somewhere and see someone reading or immersed in something, I give them the courtesy I would like for myself - I leave them alone.
Vicky Duggins Apr 20, 2008, 12:46pm EDT
If I'm reading and someone asks me about the book, I don't mind that at all because I have met some other "bookoholics" that way. I am guilty of asking others about their books because I feel a connection with other readers. I didn't realize I was being so annoying :(
Heather C. Apr 20, 2008, 1:07pm EDT
I get annoyed with the public in general. I get tired of people being stupid and thinking its okay!
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Apr 20, 2008, 1:27pm EDT
I hate being interrupted when I am reading as well. It is hard to find your place or really get into the story when someone interrupts. I know at times it can't be helped. But if I don't know you and I am in pulic...leave me alone. I brought my book so I wouldn't be bothered as I was waiting for wahtever.
Nancy 67 Apr 20, 2008, 1:43pm EDT
I don't like being interrupted, either, but I have to remember that people are more important than books in life, especially those who are my family and friends...
Lizzybeth S. Apr 20, 2008, 1:51pm EDT
I hate that! If someone sees that you are reading why must they feel th need to interrupt.
sheila ~the hapless housewife~ j. Apr 20, 2008, 2:47pm EDT
I usually enjoy it, because 9 times out of 10 we get to discussing books.
Shaunee C. Apr 20, 2008, 3:45pm EDT
I agree with you. I mean most of the time it has the name of the book on thwe outside of it. I read alot myself even if I go to the doctors office.
Denise B. Apr 20, 2008, 4:29pm EDT
it's worse when it's your kids and they need you do DO something and you can't get right back to reading ~Sob, whine, cry~
Ashmin C. Apr 20, 2008, 4:32pm EDT
People are always asking em that. You would think they figure out that you are busy and not interested in holding a conversation at the moment.
Alison Pearce Apr 20, 2008, 5:38pm EDT
Yes! LOL
Alison Pearce Apr 20, 2008, 5:39pm EDT
I meant yes, that happens to me! Not yes, you are the only one. Sorry, I had a brain drain moment!
Jean, just the teensiest bit odd, F. Apr 20, 2008, 6:54pm EDT
Yah... my husband does that and it DRIVES ME NUTS (short trip, in my case...)

Seriously, though, when you're in a public place, you've got to kind of expect that will happen...
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. Apr 20, 2008, 7:01pm EDT
People first . . . always. Just the way I fly I guess! :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Alison H. Apr 20, 2008, 8:49pm EDT
People come first....I agree with Vivian
Susan N. Apr 20, 2008, 10:35pm EDT
Nope, if I am reading a good book I am ALWAYS glad to answer any questions about it in a friendly way, besides you never know when you will meet a new life long friend!
Chelle M. Apr 20, 2008, 11:19pm EDT
It depends. If it's glaringly obvious what I'm reading (like you glance at the cover and can read the ENTIRE title) I get a little annoyed. But usually I save my reading for at home or in a quiet corner where no one will bother me.
Pamela D. Apr 21, 2008, 5:11am EDT
If the book's title can be seen, people will be more likely to ask about the book/if I like it, so when I don't want to be interrupted, I try to position the book so I won't be asked about it. But I think the bigger point here is people naturally want to interact with others and are simply using a public behavior as a way to start conversation. I can't get too upset with people who are just showing an interest, I guess.
Carol Lloyd Apr 21, 2008, 6:00am EDT
doenst bother me a book is always there. the chance to meet a stranger isnt
Debra B. Apr 21, 2008, 6:24pm EDT
I suppose it depends on the mood I am in. But, I am usually not annoyed. I am always curious (though hesitant to ask) what a person is reading -- many times I learn about a book I didn't know about, or if I knew about, whether or not it was worth my time to read it. And, I love telling that inquisitive and brave person about what I am reading and if I think it is worth their time.
Janet "Jax" B. Apr 22, 2008, 12:35am EDT
I do get annoyed when I'm intrupted while I'm reading.
Sophiya S. Apr 22, 2008, 9:51pm EDT
Interesting viewpoints
Ruthe M. May 2, 2008, 6:27pm EDT
Interesting comments. That happens to me alot. I don't really get annoyed...not unless they want to continue a lengthy conversation, and all I want to do is get back to my good read. I guess, that's the chance you take when reading in public. Has it ever happened to you in a library? It would happen to me sometimes in College. Until I found a secret place, waaaaaay in the back on the third floor of the library!! It was almost too secret! I fell asleep one time studying, and almost got locked in!!!
Joyce S. May 7, 2008, 9:57am EDT
Where in public do you find the time or right place to be able to read?
Sophiya S. May 11, 2008, 8:36pm EDT
interesting
Mary Ann S. May 11, 2008, 8:37pm EDT
It has happened to me and what I am reading is no one's business.
Shirley U Understand Me S. May 11, 2008, 8:52pm EDT
If I HAVE to be out and about, and I also must read, or don't expect to meet a friend, then I don't want to be bothered, so I just hold the book so the questioner can see the name, smile and keep on reading. If the book is a personal one, then I just say something to that effect and they get the hint. I'm not rude about it, because there have been times when I have been in the position of wondering what is holding the interest of another so much that they can ignore all the noise that usually is going on around us.
But as a general rule, I try to remember that I can go back to reading and regain my train ...
Worse than this to me is when a stranger sits in the chair next to me when the waiting room is nearly empty and they take a seat that requires them to touch me.
Bruce K. Jun 3, 2008, 4:42am EDT
That only happens to pretty girls ... how is that for positive spin?
Nick Howes Jun 18, 2008, 8:16am EDT
I'm sorry, I was in the middle of reading when your question interrupted me :)
Jerri H. Aug 8, 2008, 2:13am EDT
*giggle* It used to happen a bunch...I can remember a person that always interrupted me...I finally started tilting the book up sp they could read the cover without me ever skipping a beat or talking...needless to say the person got the hint ;)
Parker S. Dec 30, 2008, 2:30pm EST
Thanks for sharing

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