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It is surprising how often, when I say "Hey, I'm reading this really interesting book..." people immediately respond with "Oh, you have TIME to read?! I don't even..."

Like... what is that?
What makes people jump right to that?

It bugs me for a bunch of reasons.

1. Yes, I am busy too. I make time because it relaxes me.

2. No, I don't care how much you read and I'm not judging you. You don't need to defend yourself.

3. I wanted to share something I found fun, geez.

#reading
#reading
MH Thaung
I wonder how many would say that if you said, "I watched this really interesting programme..."
Dr. Zalka Csenge Virág
Right?! Somehow people don't do this when I talk about TV shows.
MH Thaung
Hmm. Perhaps that's an unstated acknowledgement that reading needs you to engage your brain. The TV plays whether or not you're paying attention.
Virginicus
A few years back, a study showed that the frequency with which people complain about never having enough time tracks well with how much TV they watch.
Dr. Zalka Csenge Virág
Which is also totally fine, if TV is what relaxes your brain, sure. I have those days (weeks) too.
Virginicus
The part where I become amused is when people complain about not having time to do things because they’re doing something they like better.
Antti Rasinen
Does this happen online or in real life? If online, perhaps the counter argument could be “Oh you have time to Facebook?!?!” 😉
Antti Rasinen
Well damn 😕 But at least then you can give them the Long Stare 😄
Dr. Victoria Grinberg
this. The fact that I make time to read has little to do with the fact that I am not busy (I have enough to do for two of me and then some extra for the things that I say outright no to) and a lot about prioritising.
Macaroni_ninja
I am just as busy as the person next to me, but everyone can make time for hobbies.

Next time someone sticks to this argument just ask them to check the screen time summary on their phone and think again.
Dr. Zalka Csenge Virág
It's not even that. I appreciate that other people have other hobbies and priorities and relax in other ways. Which is why I am so surprised when they go on the defensive.
Macaroni_ninja
its probably hardwired into the human nature to automatically compare itself against others. I know the feeling, in many cases I am the only vegetarian at work and every time we go out for lunch someone starts defending himself/herself why they couldn't stop eating meat. Honestly. Every single time. Like I care what you are eating.
Goblin
Same thing if people hear, that someone does not drink alcohol. Either peple get defensive and try to justify their alcohol consumption (which noone talked about), or they go on the offensive and try to "convert" the person to try Alkohol X, because "it`s the best, you`ll like it".

I think it`s a way people react to cognitive dissonance between what they think is good and their actual differing behaviour.
Dr Clair Firth
This is so true, I love to read to escape work and relax.....but I caught myself thinking this exact thought (wow...you have TIME to read?!) reading a comment about a book from a very high profile woman scientist today on LinkedIn. Thank you for the reminder that we should ALL make time for reading and nobody should feel guilty about what they do to switch off.....TV, social media or books!
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