I have my headphones in, listening to podcasts mostly, or Hamilton, all the time in public spaces.

i don't think it's rude at all. sometimes i wear my headphones with no music just so people won't bother me if i'm in a foul mood

My son has his air pods in ALL the time. I have no idea if he’s paying attention to me or not. It’s to the point of driving me crazy.

I would expect if you don’t want to be bothered and as long as you are respectful at the cashier, it’s your business.

I've learned that for me it's more of a sensory issue, I get anxiety around people and stores are busy causing me to get distracted. If I don't have headphones in I forget to buy some basic necessities. Plus, I don't really like people that much but I always say "hello" if eye contact is made... I'm jaded and weird.

I don’t think it is. Is it rude to connect to Bluetooth speaker displays in a store?

I wear headphones in public all the time. It's not as dangerous as people think if you're smart about it. If you're alone on a running trail, only wear one ear. If you're going down a dark alley, pause your music. If some creeper is trying to hit on you, turn it up louder and move on. Just be logical, but never give up on your music, especially if it helps in crowded shopping areas.

Why would that be rude?... Why do you ask?

Only if the audio is so loud others can hear it.
Otherwise what's the point of headphones.

It is rude. However it's more rude to play music on external speakers.

No, I don't thinks it's rude.

I don't think it is rude at all.

I don't see an issue with this. The only thing that ever drive me crazy in the service industry was people at the checkout on their phones. That shit is rude as hell.

I have a problem with noise it exacerbates my mental health symptoms especially loud noises so I would cheerfully wear ear defenders and not care what anyone thought I take them off when I get to the cash desk.

Don't judge yourself! Live in the moment. One thing that I have noticed is that when you make eye contact and they pull the ear bud out of one ear... Its my time to say hi. If ya know what I mean???

I frequently wear ear buds and listen to music while I shop. It helps keep me calm and relaxed in the crowded stores and reduces my anxiety. I don't think it's rude at all. I do take them out when I go to check out or if I need to speak to an employee.

maybe rude, maybe not, but not wise. whether or not you're there to socialize, in a setting like that you want to be aware of your surroundings, and that includes using your senses, one of which you will be deliberately blocking off. you don't know what will happen out in public. mass shooting, small child asking where the bathroom is, whatever. i wouldn't want to go around in public deliberately impaired.

g