I love flying, but hate feeling squeezed in like a sardine, surrounded by other passengers — especially when I'm traveling alone or seated away from my companions. Sometimes, I just don't feel up to socializing with strangers.
It's not that I object to talking to people I've never met before. I mean, I'm a journalist — if I minded so much, I'd be really unhappy in my career field. I'm not shy, either. But airplanes, with their recycled air and lack of legroom, don't strike me as an ideal meeting place. God forbid I ever tell my grandchildren I met the love of my life on a plane.
Sometimes, to avoid being my grumpy self, I break out my headphones and dial up a white-noise app on my iPod. Putting earbuds in is a great way to let people know you don't want to talk without having to do the awkward, stilted small talk thing while you wait for them to get bored and pick up a Skymall. Plus, I feel like people are more likely to be offended if you flat-out tell 'em you don't want to talk.
I was raised in the South. And Southern custom dictates that you never tell anyone anything unpleasant without softening the blow ... Like insulting someone, followed by a "bless his/her little heart." In fact, I was raised to avoid telling anyone anything unpleasant at all. Maybe that's why it's easier for me to avoid the conversation altogether by tuning in to my iPod.
Personally, I don't think donning headphones or putting in earbuds to signal that you want some alone time is rude, however, you do cross a line when playing your noise loud enough for your neighbor to hear or ignoring them altogether if they're trying to get your attention. If they don't get the earbud hint, respond as politely as you can. You don't have to encourage conversation, but you don't want to be the airplane asshole, either.
What do you think about blocking out your fellow passengers?
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