Why do people not talk to each other when traveling on metro trains in the u.s?

Question

are we all paranoid about the person sitting next to us, in other countires it's a common practise to talk to fellow passengers. do we live in a paranoid society?

Answer 1

I guess I am the oddball. For some strange reason, I always have people strike up a conversation with me, or I initiate one, either in the stations or on the trains. But I notice the people around me are either oblivious to the fact that I am talking with someone, or staring in disbelief. Sad.

Answer 2

The last thing I want to do is listen to some freak flapping their piehole about god knows what when I'm trying to relax on my way to work.

Answer 3

I guess people are paranoid by the looks of some of the answers on here.

It's no big deal to speak to others.

When you sit down a simple smile or even hello if you can manage is a great starter.

Maybe nothing else is needed. I think just saying hi is nice. I don't like sitting next to people when we're like 2 zombies afraid to make eye-contact once we're settled. It's best to give some sort of a signal that you're a nice person then I think it makes sitting next to a stranger less awkward.

If you come on second, asking if it's okay to sit next to them is polite and allows the two of you to make eye contact and see by the way the person responds if you might end up chatting.

I live in the UK btw. People hardly ever speak here, except backpackers and old women, lol!

If you don't feel like talking to someone or someone doesn't want to talk to you it's quite obvious.

Are they responding enthusiasticly or with one word answers and mumbles?

Usually people don't want to get deep into your life story on public transport, especially since everyone else is going to hear. It's just like in other social situations if you don't like what someone has asked you just say "i'd rather not talk about that" or you're sorry but you've had a hard day and want to use the journey time to reflect.

Whether you initiated the convo or not if it doesn't naturally come to a close and people start to annoy you (or if it's true) I just say," if you don't mind i'm just going to read my book, relax, rest my eyes etc"

Or you can say something which suggests an end to the conversation like "ah, well I hope you have fun at your blah blah" and turn away slightly or "good luck with your project then" and so on.

:)

Answer 4

I don't know, but I HATE an strange person start talking to me. We all need lonely moments to think and to speak with ourselves. The metro trains or buses are not the better places to find friends, sorry. I like to listen music and feel alone.

Answer 5

the driver is always telling us to, "sit down!!!", and "Shut-up!!!". so no one talks on these trains.

Answer 6

We live in a time and place that has taught us not to trust people...and for good reason too.  Let's be honest, you never know who you can trust...h**l, your best freakin friend could rape you one night without so much as a single warning sign...and that's someone close, who you trust...I don't like to talk to people I don't know.  And I'm married to my best friend, so it's ok for me.  These are just my opinions.

Answer 7

you're not from america are you?

we prefer to keep to ourselves unless it's absolutely pressing that we tell someone something.

Answer 8

People are afraid to meet new people. It has become socially awkward to introduce yourself to someone new for no reason other than to make conversation. It's unfortunate sometimes, but it's how things are in the U.S.

Answer 9

Yeah I've noticed that - but when I think back to the types of people who've ever tried to talk to me - they've all been creeps.  Plus a lot of the people on there look like they dont want to be bothered- maybe we all look like that because we're just really focused on getting to where we need to go and getting all of our stuff done - I dont think they're like that in Europe as much, they take their time more and just enjoy the ride.

Answer 10

because no one speaks the same language...we are from all over the world...

Answer 11

yes its true, i was in europe where people there are very friendly and they talk to fellow passengers like as if they hve known them for years.sadly we will only get more and more paranoid.

Answer 12

In no countries do people talk to each other on trains. I'm from London and you don't even make eye contact with the other passengers on the Tube. Eyes down, reading your paper or listening to iPod unless you want people to think you are a freak or encourage the attention of the pervy looking man in the corner.