When somebody asks me what I'm reading, while I'm reading it, I just hold the book up so that they can see the cover. That might be rude, but isn't it also rude to interrupt someone while they're doing something? I just consider it like testing the waters. Someone else wanted to see if I was up for a chat, and I signaled no. That's fine, or at least I think that it should be fine. Because sometimes, I'll actually answer with words and we can start a conversation about what I thought about what I've read so far. Of course, that's assuming that the other person didn't have to gather up quite so much of their courage just to take a chance that I won't bite them, and being honest about my mood then had thrown them into an existentialist crisis about how difficult it is to connect with people and we're all going to die alone and unloved. I doubt that I'm all that special, though.

What I think is really rude is when people read over my shoulder while I'm writing. This happened twice today, once by a waiter, and once by a street urchin who was passing by. The weirdest thing is that the waiter came between me and the street urchin to ask if the kid was bothering me. I wanted to say, "Uhh, no more than you were a moment ago..." Unless my shutting my notebook and giving the waiter the side-eye until he smiled sheepishly and slunk away was a clue taken that, no, I don't want people to read what I'm writing, and he decided to heroically enforce that.

I'd hole myself up in my room and do my writing there, but I guess these little annoyances are worth the fresh air and sunshine? Especially on days where they don't happen.

This is the exact reason I don't like to read or write in public. I've always been a very private person and I don't like to share my interests or anything else with others. You are far more polite than I would be. I would just ignore someone if they were asking what I'm reading. It's like you said, they want to start a conversation so I give them the cold shoulder because that's not what I want. If they tried to read my writing over my shoulder I would snap at them. I usually avoid this by sitting with my back to walls or I hunch over my notebook and use my hair as a curtain.

I think they're just curious. While it's a bit rude to try reading what you're writing, usually you can just adjust how you're sitting and they would have to make obvious moves in order to continue reading...so then they usually stop. You could be more bold and say something directly, but I don't tend to bother. Or I'll take that moment to go ahead and close my laptop (or notebook) until they walk away again.

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Post Merge: 11:42am Sun, Sep 21, 2014

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Oh, and as for asking what I'm reading, I don't find that rude. Again, it's curiosity and if it's a fellow reader, they're just trying to make conversation and potentially find some new material to read. I don't always want to talk, but it's no different than someone striking up conversation about the weather, etc....it's not necessarily rude, but just annoying.

Put on headphones if you really want to signal to others not talk to you at all. Then even if they try, you can simply ignore them as though the imaginary music is too loud.

I make zero eye contact, and I too hold up a book or magazine so no one can see me.
Most waiters are quite considerate in cafes when you are writing and will spot when you are ready or when you're not busy. I usually close the window I'm working on (and save of course) and have a news website on in the background when other people are around.

I have a pretty good Paddington Bear stare which usually stops people from peering over, or I offer them a spare magazine or newspaper which some people accept and others try to pretend they weren't looking.

Now if a hot six foot male blonde came up and asked me what I was writing or reading, then I would stop and tell him, even read it out to him!

Oh I get that a lot when I was still living with my parents. I work as a writer you see and I'm always on my computer and whenever my mom walks by she would take a peek and read what I'm writing which is kind of annoying in a way but I can't really shove her away since I'm living in her house.

When I'm reading a book I tend to just stop reading and tell them what they want. If they linger then we would chat (most of the time this happens) and when he/she just walks away I continue reading.

OMG I read the title as peeing . Oh awkward moments .

I can't STAND people looking over my shoulder regardless of what I'm doing. I freeze up, feel sick and nervous, and it's a surefire way to make me hate you lol.

I totally understand this situation!

I really hate it when people are looking over your shoulder even if you do not know them. It's not just in terms of books though, people do it anytime! For instance, when I am commuting to work, I always play on my tablet. I would feel someone looking over my shoulder and watching what I am doing. I mean, come on, don't you have something else to do?

Another thing is when I am reading article on the Internet. I hate it when someone is reading it along with me! I don't want to be rude, but I feel like I should wait for this person to finish reading before I can scroll down.

People tend to be very annoying at times. What's more irritating is the fact that they can't take the hint!

I would scroll down on purpose just to piss them off.

When I'm in public I make my font super small so you'd have to get extremely close ha ha. If I'm typing you can't even see it.