Is it rude to say, "why do you care?" as a response to someone expressing an interest in something?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you are talking way too much about celebrities to people who have zero interest. Better to save those discussions for people who share your passion for celebrity drama.

[Anonymous]

I do think excessive interest in celebrities and pop culture is kind of frowned upon in society and looked on as shallow - more so than an interest in anime (or whatever) would be. I'm not quite sure why. it seems like a specific hobby that is likely to incite a "why do you care" response.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I think they’re trying to say “why do you think I would care”? It’s rude, but if you’re hearing this often, you might be boring people with your obsession.

[Anonymous]

It varies. It could be a genuine request for information. It could be a rude attempts to cut someone off. It could be a desperate third or fourth attempt to indicate that someone has been droning on about a specialized interest without bothering to notice that their conversational partner does not share this interest. So, yeah, it could be very rude. It could also be a response to the rudeness of ignoring the other person’s interests and patience.

[Anonymous]

Pretty rude way to shut someone down who is talking about something you don't care about. Is their nonverbal or otherwise polite disinterest not apparent to you? These people are either very rude or very tired of the topic.

I'd simply say "I'm sorry... I don't know... it's not my area of interest" until the topic changed or change it myself. I would never want to use that phrase with an associate/coworker/boss.

Now my child asking me repeatedly if Prime has delivered yet? I may say that, wondering what is up with the interest or what they ordered (j/k they are too young).

[Anonymous]

Are you inquiring on midget practitioners and their accomplishment juxtaposed to your own, OP?

[Anonymous]

Have you read the BTS thread?

You should get on Twitter and get it all out, that’s the right place to express yourself. Make an alias account and go wild.

[Anonymous]

It's rude. Reply, "Why do you care that I care? If you don't want to participate in the discussion, that's fine."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It varies. It could be a genuine request for information. It could be a rude attempts to cut someone off. It could be a desperate third or fourth attempt to indicate that someone has been droning on about a specialized interest without bothering to notice that their conversational partner does not share this interest. So, yeah, it could be very rude. It could also be a response to the rudeness of ignoring the other person’s interests and patience.

I agree. It depends on the tone. I have a brilliant friends who is very wonky, could talk foreign policy till the cows come home, but also likes to keep up with People and Us magazines. I asked her once about why she cares so much about celebrity culture and she laughed and said she had no idea, but it was a fun diversion that became a habit. I think I asked her more nicely than just "why do you care?" But I legitimately was curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's rude. Reply, "Why do you care that I care? If you don't want to participate in the discussion, that's fine."

These people are not necessarily willing participants in OP’s conversations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would treat their asking why you care about, say, Khloe Kardashian as genuine confusion and answer them in kind.

It really screws with people when they're trying to insult you and you ... don't let them.

I get People magazine too, OP.

Ditto! If it is really rude, I ask people to repeat it + ask what they said. Most people get the message

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have often been at the receiving end of this usually in response to me talking about an interest or hobby.

As a kid I was into animation and comic books. I would join message boards to discuss new releases and storylines.

As an adult I consume pop culture. I read People mag and often discuss celebrity dramas. I am sure I probably come across as excessive or a nerd but...I am a nerd?

I don't know, I always find it rude. I never say "why do you care?" if someone is obsessed with their favorite sports team or is into makeup or beauty.

I’d say “too cool”.

[Anonymous]

It's rude.
It's also rude to talk incessantly about a topic others in your company have no interest in.
Finally, adults don't really do the celebrity gossip and drama thing in day-to-day conversation. it's seen as immature.
Find some general things you can talk about with a variety of people.
: eave your celebrity obsession to the message board.
Develop hobbies and interests beyond celebrities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's rude. Reply, "Why do you care that I care? If you don't want to participate in the discussion, that's fine."

These people are not necessarily willing participants in OP’s conversations.

I actually wonder if OP is the same poster as the thread with the person saying she's no friends and has had trouble all her life who struggles with social skills this would fit.

[Anonymous]

What an odd question!